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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. 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.
  7. Add cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Add cooked macaroni and gently fold in the honey pepper chicken.
  8. 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

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese, comfort food recipe, mac and cheese with chicken, cheesy macaroni

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/