Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prepare to fall head over heels for The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese! Imagine juicy, honey-glazed chicken kissed with peppery heat, nestled in a dreamy, ultra-creamy blend of four cheeses and perfectly cooked macaroni. This spectacular mashup checks every comfort food box with its irresistibly gooey texture, touch of sweetness, subtle heat, and that craveable golden top. Whether it’s for family dinner, a cozy get-together, or when nothing but the richest, most satisfying homemade food will do, this dish wraps you up like a warm, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe thrives on simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Each choice, from the creamy cheeses to the aromatic spices and gooey honey sauce, builds unforgettable flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken creates juicy, tender bites to soak up every bit of the honey pepper glaze.
- Cornstarch & all-purpose flour: This duo forms a light, crisp coating on the chicken, helping it brown beautifully and hold the sauce.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples deliver a deep, savory backbone to both the chicken and the overall dish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness, elevating the entire flavor profile.
- Cayenne pepper: For just the right hint of heat—add more or less depending on your preference.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Layers essential seasoning throughout each bite.
- Olive oil: Sautéing the chicken in olive oil gets things golden and delicious.
- Honey: Sweet, sticky honey is the star in that craveable glaze.
- Soy sauce: Savory depth and umami keep the honey from being too sweet.
- Rice vinegar: Balances everything with a touch of acidity so the sauce isn’t cloying.
- Sriracha: For bright heat—use as much or as little as you like for your perfect level of spice.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon delivers a toasted, nutty aroma that brings everything together.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds: These add color and fresh, crunchy contrast for the final touch.
- Elbow macaroni: The quintessential comfort pasta, perfect for catching all that silky sauce.
- Butter: The base of the cheese sauce, ensuring that signature rich, glossy finish.
- All-purpose flour: Cooked with butter, this thickens the cheese sauce into pure velvet.
- Milk (whole recommended): For extra creamy, luscious texture—go full fat for best results!
- Nutmeg (optional): A touch of nutmeg deepens the warmth of the cheesiest bites.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Bold flavor, brilliant color, and classic melty goodness.
- Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese: Delivers nutty complexity and smooth melt—all about the blend.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Extra creaminess and a subtle tang to round out the cheese sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, rich finish that ties the entire cheesy element together.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for bite-size tenderness. In a roomy bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until each one is completely coated. That light breading will help every chunk turn irresistibly golden and crisp in the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange the coated chicken cubes in a single layer, working in batches if you need to avoid crowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until the outsides are golden and crispy, and the centers are cooked to 165°F for that juicy, succulent bite. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
While the chicken rests, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour this fragrant sauce into your skillet (use all those browned bits left from the chicken for flavor!), and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly in the bubbling, glossy sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to beautifully glaze each piece. Remove from heat and shower with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, toasty finish.
Step 5: Boil the Pasta
While your chicken is soaking up all that saucy goodness, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. This pasta is the backbone of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe, with its nostalgic shape and perfect texture for holding onto cheese sauce.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic. Slowly pour in the milk, one cup at a time, whisking constantly to keep things smooth. Add salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg if you’re using it. Simmer and stir, letting the sauce thicken slightly—about 5–7 minutes.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, Gruyere (or Swiss), Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring each time so the sauce grows thick, creamy, and lump-free. This is where the dish transforms into pure cheesy bliss!
Step 8: Assemble the Mac and Cheese
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently so every noodle is thoroughly coated in that dreamy, gooey mixture. Don’t worry if it looks a tad too saucy—it’ll thicken as everything melds.
Step 9: Combine with Honey Pepper Chicken
Gently fold those glossy honey pepper chicken cubes (and all the extra sauce!) into the macaroni and cheese. The combination of savory, sweet, tangy, peppery, and cheesy is what makes this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese:The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe in every sense.
Step 10: Broil for Bubbling Perfection (Optional)
For a golden, bubbly top, transfer your mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with a bit more shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes. Watch closely—this step gives you that irresistible, toasty crown.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your masterpiece with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. Not only do they bring vibrant color and a fresh crunch, but they also offer a lovely contrast to all the creamy, cheesy richness throughout Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe.
Side Dishes
This dish is absolutely a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Think simple green salads tossed with vinaigrette, quick sautéed broccoli, or even roasted carrots for some sweetness. Breadsticks or classic garlic bread work wonders for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe in individual ramekins for a dinner party touch, or pile it high in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, family-style feast. For a serious comfort food splurge, stuff it into baked bell peppers or hollowed bread bowls—you’ll wow every guest!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe are pure gold! Store any extra in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. All those flavors settle and intensify, often making it even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the finished dish for up to one month. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Just know that the cheese sauce may lose a little creaminess but will still taste amazing after thawing and gentle reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore that creamy consistency. Or, rewarm it in a covered ovenproof dish at 325°F until bubbling hot. Stir well to reincorporate any separated sauce, and you’re right back at comfort food heaven!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe up to a day ahead. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake gently at 350°F until heated through when ready to serve. For best results, add the garnishes just before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.
Which cheeses work best in the sauce?
The suggested blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyere or Swiss, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan provides depth, creaminess, and a touch of tang. Feel free to customize with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for extra zing—the key is using at least one cheese for flavor, one for melt, and one for saltiness.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is totally customizable. The sriracha and cayenne give a pleasant kick, but you can dial them up or down to suit your taste. Serving for kids? Half the amount, or skip the cayenne entirely.
Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just skip the breading step and toss shredded or diced cooked chicken in the honey pepper sauce. The texture is slightly different, but it’s a fast shortcut and still totally delicious.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, use a gluten-free flour blend in both the breading and cheese sauce, and be sure to check your soy sauce is gluten-free. The end result is still the same wonderful bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone running to the table, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese:The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is your new go-to. There’s nothing quite like creamy macaroni, rich cheese, and sticky, spicy-sweet chicken to transport you to happy, cozy memories. Give it a try, and savor every delicious forkful—you and your loved ones deserve it!
PrintHoney Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese recipe. Tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy glaze are combined with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a delectable dish that will satisfy all your cravings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes to the bowl with the dry ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed). Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil. Pour honey pepper sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
- Add cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Add cooked macaroni and gently fold in the honey pepper chicken.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level of the honey pepper chicken by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon pieces to the mac and cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese, comfort food recipe, mac and cheese with chicken, cheesy macaroni