Description
The ultimate comfort food fusion! Sweet honey, spicy peppers, tender chicken, and creamy mac and cheese come together in this unforgettable dish. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate chicken in a mixture of honey and black pepper for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (165°F/74°C). Set aside and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Add the sliced chicken and stir until evenly distributed.
- Optional Bake:
- Transfer the dish to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
1️⃣ Marination Time Matters: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to fully absorb the honey and pepper flavors. If you have extra time, an hour will deepen the taste.
2️⃣ Cheese Blend is Key: Use high-quality cheeses that melt well, like sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for creaminess. Mixing cheeses enhances the texture and richness of the dish.
3️⃣ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the cheese sauce, ensuring it stays firm and holds the sauce well.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min