Description
Learn how to make delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Feel free to swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese or use chicken thighs if that’s what you have. Cooking is about flexibility and using what you have, just like those days when I learned to make the best of our pantry staples.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is well coated and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined. If you feel adventurous, this is the time to add a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness.
Remember, cooking is about joy and experimentation—don’t stress over perfection. Just like my first chili experiment, sometimes the best dishes come from a little trial and error.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac, recipe, cooking, food
