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–+ servings

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

A sweet and savory twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring tender chicken coated in a honey pepper glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 16 oz macaroni pasta cooked according to package directions
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk whole milk recommended
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the honey and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, and nutmeg (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  • Add the honey pepper chicken to the mac and cheese and gently stir to distribute.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking for 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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