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+ servings
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

Savor the incredible sweet and savory flavors of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac, a quick and delicious dinner option for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner Plates
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil for searing
  • to taste Salt
For the Honey Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional for heat
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 8 ounces Elbow macaroni or similar pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter for the roux
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour for thickening
  • 2 cups Whole milk for creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese optional
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Green onions

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot
  • small bowl

Method
 

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac
  1. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if desired.
  4. Pour the sauce over your cooked chicken and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, then sprinkle in flour. Whisk constantly for about one minute.
  7. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
  8. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is generously coated.
  10. Divide the mac and cheese among bowls and top each with the honey-pepper-glazed chicken.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a spicy kick, serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

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