Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture

Don't overcook pasta - it will finish cooking in the oven

Let cheese sauce cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent breaking

Freshly cracked black pepper gives the best flavor

Make chicken ahead and reheat before folding into mac and cheese

Cover with foil if top browns too quickly

Let rest before serving to allow sauce to thicken

Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Honey Pepper Chicken:; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; For the Honey Pepper Glaze:; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon butter; For the Mac and Cheese:; 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

This irresistible Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the comfort of creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender, seasoned chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. The perfect balance of sweet honey, cracked black pepper, and rich cheese sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Crispy chicken pieces are tossed in a glossy honey pepper glaze, then folded into the creamiest mac and cheese you've ever tasted. It's comfort food elevated to the next level - perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to indulge in something truly satisfying.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

1/3 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon butter

For the Mac and Cheese:

1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz cream cheese, softened

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Extra cracked black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in seasoned flour mixture.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Make honey pepper glaze: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes, then whisk in butter until smooth.

Return chicken to skillet and toss with glaze until well coated. Remove from heat and set aside.

For cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth.

Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.

Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce, then gently fold in the honey pepper chicken. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and extra cracked pepper before serving.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

JUE

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Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions