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Chicken Breast Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken

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A delightful twist on mac and cheese featuring honey pepper chicken, offering a balance of creamy, spicy, and crispy textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: While your pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil.
  3. Sear the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for a minute. Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Let it thicken.
  5. Add the cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until it melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and diced chicken. Drizzle honey over the mixture and gently mix.
  7. Transfer and bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Optionally, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

You can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce a day in advance. Just combine them before baking and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, chicken, honey pepper, comfort food

Find it online: https://oliviatable.com/vegetarian-food-exciting-2026-what-people-are-eating/