Introduction
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a cozy, crowd-pleasing masterpiece! This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese takes ordinary macaroni and cheese to a whole new level. We’re adding juicy, flavorful chicken and a touch of sweet honey heat that will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a surprising kick of sweet and spicy flavor from the honey and pepper. The chicken adds a hearty protein element, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also super easy to make, even on a busy weeknight! Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can adjust the spice level to your liking!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🍯 1/4 cup honey
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
- 🍝 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
3️⃣ Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Spice it Up: Stir in the honey and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
6️⃣ Serve it Up: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra creamy mac and cheese, use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream.
- If you don’t have red pepper flakes, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Roasting the chicken before shredding it will add a deeper, richer flavor.
Heat Control
The heat level is entirely customizable! Start with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and add more to taste, depending on your spice preference. Keep a close eye on the cheese sauce while it simmers to prevent burning. Reduce the heat to low once the cheese is melted to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe prioritizes creamy texture, you can add a little crunch by topping the baked mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips during the last 5 minutes of baking. This adds a delightful textural contrast!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- To make this a complete meal, add in some steamed broccoli or peas along with the chicken.
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This mac and cheese makes a fantastic gift! Package individual portions in cute disposable containers and tie them with a ribbon. You can also bake it in a pretty casserole dish and present it as is!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
🌟 Bacon Mac & Cheese: Crumble cooked bacon into the mac and cheese before baking.
🌟 Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite buffalo wing sauce to the cheese sauce.
🌟 Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup of pesto along with the cheese for a herby twist.
Troubleshooting
- Too dry: If your mac and cheese is too dry, add a little more milk or cream while stirring.
- Lumpy cheese sauce: Make sure to whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps.
- Burnt cheese sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir frequently to prevent burning.
FAQ
- Can I use different pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it when ready. Just keep it refrigerated until baking.
- How do I know when it’s done? The mac and cheese is done when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Can I freeze this? While it’s not ideal, you could freeze this in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Conclusion
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Share your creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipes! Happy cooking!