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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

A cozy, cheesy dish that combines honey-glazed chicken with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese
  • 2 cups macaroni Cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted preferred
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk for richer sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella) Freshly shredded melts smoother
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, glazed with honey and pepper Brush thinly with honey-pepper glaze
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Panko for crispiness
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Optional garnishes: parsley, crushed red pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until nutty.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon.
  4. Stir in shredded cheese, season with salt and pepper, and heat until smooth.
Baking
  1. In a baking dish, toss macaroni with cheese sauce until coated.
  2. Top with sliced or whole honey-glazed chicken, sprinkle breadcrumbs, and drizzle olive oil.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper before serving.

Notes

Cook the pasta and make the sauce while the chicken rests to save time. Use fresh mozzarella for better melting. Leftovers can be turned into sandwiches or pan-fried.