Name: Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp honey; 2 tsp cracked black pepper; 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice; 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk; 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting, crave-worthy dish that takes classic mac and cheese to the next level. With tender, glazed chicken coated in sweet honey and cracked black pepper, nestled on top of a rich, creamy cheese sauce and pasta, this dish delivers big on both flavor and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe balances sweet, spicy, and creamy in every single bite. The honey pepper glaze on the chicken adds a bold contrast to the rich and cheesy mac, and the texture of the crispy, seared chicken pairs perfectly with the smooth sauce. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to throw together for a comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or butter
Garlic (minced)
Honey
Cracked black pepper
Pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
Heavy cream or whole milk
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Paprika (optional, for color and depth)

Directions

I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat until cooked through and golden brown on both sides. I set it aside to rest.
In the same skillet, I add a little more butter, minced garlic, honey, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper. I simmer it for 1–2 minutes, then toss the sliced chicken back in to coat it in the sticky glaze.
While that’s going, I boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
In a saucepan, I heat cream or milk and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and melty. I season the sauce with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika.
I mix the pasta with the cheese sauce, then top it with the honey pepper chicken.
I like to serve it immediately, with extra cracked pepper and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. I usually spend around 15 minutes prepping and another 20 minutes cooking, so it’s ready in about 35 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use rotisserie chicken to speed things up, or swap in crispy chicken tenders for a shortcut. For added texture, I top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon. I’ve also tried it with gouda or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I often use cooked chicken and just toss it in the honey pepper glaze to save time.

What’s the best pasta for this?

I love elbow macaroni or shells because they hold the sauce well, but penne and cavatappi also work great.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy from the cracked pepper, but I can increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I prep the mac and cheese and chicken separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but adding mozzarella or Monterey Jack gives it that extra gooey texture I really enjoy.

Conclusion

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. The sweet-spicy glaze on the chicken paired with the velvety cheese sauce makes it a true comfort food favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough to serve when I want to impress.