Time:
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 40 minutes
Introduction
Bring sweetness and spice to your dish with our Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac n Cheese. This recipe whips up a comforting meal that guarantees to satisfy your palette with its unique blend of flavors, perfect for both quiet dinners and interactive engagements.
Why Make this Recipe
If you’ve been yearning for the perfect combination of honey-glazed chicken with a kick of black pepper, coupled with creamy and cheesy macaroni, then this recipe is for you. It’s simple enough for beginners, but has enough detail to impress even experienced cooks.
How to Make Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac n Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon oil
For the Mac n Cheese:
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Start by preparing the chicken. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt. Cook until browned, then stir in honey, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Continue to cook until the chicken is fully coated and caramelized. Set aside.
2. Cook the macaroni as per the instructions on the package. Once done, drain, and keep aside.
3. Next, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, then gradually add milk, whisking until the sauce thickens. Add shredded cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
4. Now, mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the honey pepper chicken.
How to Serve Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac n Cheese
Serve the dish hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or parsley if desired. Accompany it with a refreshing green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac n Cheese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
Tips to Make Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac n Cheese
– Make sure you cook the macaroni until it’s just al dente. You don’t want it to get soggy when added to the sauce.
– Whisk the cheese sauce continuously to avoid lumps.
– For an extra kick of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can add bacon bits or use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a variation of flavor.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use any other type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any other type of pasta, but elbow macaroni works best for mac and cheese.
Q2: How cheesy is this dish?
A2: This dish is cheesy, but not overwhelmingly so. Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A3: Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. Both will deliver delicious results.