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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken with the classic creamy mac and cheese enriched by the subtle sweetness of honey and a warm kick of freshly ground black pepper. Perfect for cozy dinners and family meals, this easy-to-make recipe blends creamy textures with sweet and spicy notes for a hearty, indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz macaroni pasta

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Start by boiling salted water, then cook the macaroni pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Prepare the creamy cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about one minute until bubbly but not browned. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Add cheese and seasonings: Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and honey to balance the flavors with subtle sweetness and spice.
  4. Combine chicken and pasta: Fold in the cooked, shredded chicken and drained macaroni until everything is evenly coated in the luscious cheese sauce.
  5. Final touches and serve: Give the dish a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture or transfer to a baking dish and broil with extra cheese for a golden crust.

Notes

  • Cook the roux just enough to eliminate the raw flour taste but avoid browning it for the richest sauce.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for a vibrant and spicy flavor punch.
  • Choose good-quality sharp cheddar for better melting and flavor.
  • Slightly undercook macaroni to prevent mushiness after mixing with the sauce.
  • Stir in honey near the end to preserve its natural sweetness and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-delight/