Description
Mac and Cheese from Italian-American kitchens gets a sweet-spicy makeover with Honey Pepper Chicken mac and cheese that brings serious comfort to your dinner table. Tender chicken strips tossed in a creamy sauce deliver bold flavor combinations guaranteed to make your family ask for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Starches:
- 8 oz (226 g) elbow macaroni
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Sweeteners:
- ¼ cup pure honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil 8 oz elbow macaroni in salted water at 212°F (100°C) for precisely 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain water completely and reserve pasta.
- Slice 3-4 chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. Season each piece with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F (190°C). Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces into hot oil.
- Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes, turning each piece to achieve golden-brown exterior. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Reduce skillet temperature to low, around 200°F (93°C). Pour 1 cup heavy cream and ¼ cup pure honey into the pan.
- Gently whisk cream and honey together for 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth, integrated sauce around the chicken.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes glossy.
- Incorporate 1 tsp garlic powder and additional ½ tsp black pepper into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings.
- Add reserved pasta to skillet. Fold gently until every macaroni strand becomes coated with creamy sauce.
- Let mixture simmer at 180°F (82°C) for an additional minute to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a subtle kick that complements the honey’s sweetness.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a smoother, more luxurious sauce that melts evenly.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- When cooking chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg