Description
Creamy macaroni coated in a rich homemade cheese sauce and topped with sticky honey pepper glazed chicken for the ultimate sweet and savory comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cracked black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Add the honey to the skillet and coat the chicken evenly until glossy and caramelized. Remove the chicken and slice into strips.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with the sliced honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add extra cracked black pepper if you prefer a bolder pepper flavor.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juicy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, chicken pasta dinner, comfort food recipe, cheesy chicken pasta, homemade mac and cheese