Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight 🧀🌶️
"This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese will Enlighten yoyr taste buds! Sweet, spicy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, it’s comfort food taken to the next level!"
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🐔
1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
2 tablespoons honey 🍯
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
For the Mac and Cheese:
8 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta 🍝
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🌾
2 cups whole milk 🥛
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 🌶️
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
For Garnish:
1/4 cup honey 🍯
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️
Chopped parsley 🌿
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
Drizzle the cooked chicken with 2 tablespoons of honey while still in the skillet. Remove and slice thinly.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until well-coated.
Assemble the Dish:
Divide the mac and cheese into bowls. Top with slices of honey-drizzled chicken.
Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle extra honey over the chicken, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!