The Art of Ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Mastery

Perfect Honey Pepper Chicken

Master the art of creating tender, caramelized chicken with ideal sweet-heat balance.

Ultimate Cheese Sauce Mastery

Learn the technique of creating silky smooth four-cheese sauce that never breaks.

Flavor Integration Excellence

Perfect the skill of combining chicken and mac and cheese for harmonious flavor marriage.

Golden Crispy Topping

Master the method of creating perfectly seasoned, golden-brown breadcrumb topping.

Comfort Food Perfection

Learn proper baking and resting techniques for ultimate comfort food presentation.

Master Chef Tips for Ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken Choice: Use thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture retention.

Cheese Quality: Grate cheese fresh from blocks for superior melting and flavor.

Sauce Technique: Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent breaking or grittiness.

Pasta Timing: Cook pasta slightly underdone as it continues cooking in the oven.

Honey Balance: Adjust honey amount to taste - some prefer more sweetness with the pepper heat.

Resting Time: Allow dish to rest after baking for easier serving and better texture.

The Absolute Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - Ultimate Creamy Sweet Heat Comfort Bowl

Name: The Absolute Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - Ultimate Creamy Sweet Heat Comfort Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: For the Honey Pepper Chicken:; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1/3 cup honey, pure; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; For the Ultimate Mac and Cheese:; 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta; 6 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk, warmed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup gruyere cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

The most incredibly delicious and indulgent Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese featuring tender honey-glazed chicken with perfect peppery heat, ultra-creamy four-cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy golden topping. This ultimate comfort food combines sweet honey, bold black pepper, succulent chicken, and the creamiest mac and cheese for an absolutely irresistible meal that satisfies every craving.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

1/3 cup honey, pure

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons butter

For the Ultimate Mac and Cheese:

1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta

6 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk, warmed

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 cup white cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 cup gruyere cheese, freshly grated

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Crispy Topping:

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

For Flavor Enhancement:

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 green onions, sliced thin

For Serving:

Extra honey for drizzling

Fresh cracked black pepper

Hot sauce, optional

Garlic bread

Mixed green salad

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and flavor absorption.

In bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.

Season chicken with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter until melted.

Add seasoned chicken to skillet and cook 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

Pour honey mixture over chicken and cook 3-4 minutes until glazed and caramelized.

Remove chicken from heat and set aside, reserving any pan juices.

Cook pasta in large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions.

Drain pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking process.

In large heavy-bottomed pot, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook 2-3 minutes to create blonde roux, stirring constantly.

Gradually whisk in warmed milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.

Cook sauce 5-7 minutes, whisking frequently until thickened and smooth.

Reduce heat to low and whisk in cream cheese until completely melted.

Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and white pepper.

Remove from heat and gradually whisk in all grated cheeses until melted.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or mustard as needed.

Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce until evenly coated and creamy.

Gently fold in honey pepper chicken and any reserved pan juices.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

In bowl, combine panko, cheddar, parmesan, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika.

Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over mac and cheese surface.

Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly around edges and golden brown on top.

Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow cheese sauce to set slightly.

Garnish with fresh herbs, green onions, and extra cracked black pepper.

Drizzle with additional honey if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat gently.

The Absolute Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - Ultimate Creamy Sweet Heat Comfort Bowl

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Mastery

The Absolute Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - Ultimate Creamy Sweet Heat Comfort Bowl

Ingredients

Instructions