Description
A comforting and nostalgic mac and cheese recipe upgraded with honey-glazed, peppery chicken for a sweet-heat flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra red pepper flakes and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in honey and crushed red pepper flakes, then remove from heat.
- In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter, add flour, and whisk to make a roux. Slowly pour in warmed milk while whisking until fully combined and thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mustard powder (if using) until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce, mix well, and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the honey pepper chicken over the macaroni and gently press to adhere. Add extra cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier top if desired.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley and extra crushed red pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
For a crisp top, sprinkle extra cheese and panko mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken, comfort food, sweet and spicy