There’s something magical about the arrival of fall the crisp air, golden leaves, and that unmistakable craving for warm, hearty meals that feel like a hug in a bowl. That’s exactly why this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese has become such a reader favorite. It’s creamy, just a little sweet, a bit spicy, and filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese. Think of it as comfort food with a delicious twist perfect for chilly nights, casual gatherings, or just a lazy Sunday at home.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is wonderfully easy to follow. Let’s bring some extra warmth to your table today.
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for fall—creamy, cheesy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. A cozy, satisfying dish you’ll want to make all season long.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Stir in honey and toss to coat. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and velvety. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked pasta and honey pepper chicken to the sauce. Mix well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve in bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt. Warm milk prevents clumps in your sauce. Adjust heat with red pepper flakes or cayenne. Add roasted veggies like broccoli or sweet peppers for a boost. For a gluten-free version, swap in GF pasta and flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
You likely have most of these staples in your kitchen already. Each one plays a key role in balancing that sweet-spicy-creamy trifecta this dish is known for.
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Want to keep it dairy-free? Swap out the milk and cheese with your favorite plant-based alternatives like in our Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Stir in the honey and toss to coat the chicken in that sweet glaze. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Need a fast protein for meal prep too? Try these Greek honey mustard chicken and potatoes they’re a dinner winner!
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it bubbles. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened—about 3–5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in both cheeses until melted and velvety. Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Bring It Together
Add the cooked pasta and honey pepper chicken into the sauce. Mix well so every bite is coated in cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Transfer to bowls, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh-grated cheese: Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
- Warm the milk: It helps create a smoother sauce and prevents clumping.
- Adjust the heat: Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Low-sodium chicken broth substitute: You can replace part of the milk with broth for added flavor.
This is one of those recipes, much like our Cottage Mac and Cheese, that only gets better with time.
Possible Variations
Make It Gluten-Free
Swap the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. You’ll still get that same rich and creamy finish.
Add Crunch with Toppings
Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or even a streusel-inspired savory topping before broiling for a few minutes to create a golden, crispy finish.
Try a Veggie Boost
Add roasted broccoli, spinach, or sweet bell peppers for added texture and nutrients. Just sauté the veggies in the pan before making the roux.
Sweet & Savory Twist
For a sweeter finish, toss in some roasted apple chunks like we use in our apple cinnamon bread. Trust us, it works.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese keeps well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
- Make-ahead tip: Cook the pasta and chicken the day before. Then just whip up the cheese sauce and combine when ready to eat.
If you’re prepping ahead for a cozy fall gathering, this dish pairs beautifully with something sweet like our brown sugar pumpkin loaf or a fun caramel apple puppy chow.
Final Thoughts
From the creamy cheese sauce to the honey-glazed chicken, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese delivers the best kind of comfort—simple, flavorful, and soul-warming. Whether you’re serving it straight from the stovetop or baking it with a crispy topping, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. Just like a warm scarf or a good book, it’s the fall classic your kitchen needs.
Craving more fall recipes? Don’t miss out on our cozy lineup, including Smash Burger Tacos for those weeknight dinners or our Strawberry Danish when you need something sweet to follow.