Description
A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish topped with honey pepper chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the mixture.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with sliced honey pepper chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the mac and cheese.
- Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg