1 Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight You Need to Try Tonight

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your favorite creamy mac and cheese with sweet and spicy chicken, this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is about to become your go-to dish. Whether you’re planning a simple weeknight dinner or looking for an impressive dish under $20, this recipe delivers bold flavor and comforting texture in one easy skillet.

It’s a perfect choice for fans of easy dinner recipes with chicken, as well as anyone seeking simple home cooked meals with big payoff and minimal effort. If creamy cheese sauces, flavorful diced chicken, and a hint of honeyed spice sound like your thing—stick around. We’ll cover everything you need to master this recipe from scratch, plus expert tips, common mistakes, serving ideas, and more.

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Why This Mac and Cheese Dinner Idea Works for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about comfort food that blends sweet, spicy, and creamy in one bite. That’s exactly what makes this dinner idea under 20 dollars so irresistible. It’s:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Kid-friendly, yet flavorful enough for adults
• Great for couples, families, or meal prep
• Budget-friendly with simple pantry staples

Looking for more warm and cozy dishes? Check out this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe from Lyndy’s Kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you need to bring this creamy chicken pasta dish to life:

For the chicken:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the sauce and pasta:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta of choice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or more to taste)
• Salt, to taste

Optional garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Extra drizzle of honey
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

If you love easy and flavorful dishes like this, you might also enjoy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice for a sweet-savory twist on another dinner staple.

Kitchen Tools for Making the Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese

All you need are a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan for pasta
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board

No fancy appliances—just solid home-cooking gear.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Let the mixture thicken slightly, then stir in the cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add Honey and Pepper
Stir in the honey and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust with salt or more pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, extra honey drizzle, or red pepper flakes for spice.

Your creamy honey pepper chicken mac is ready to devour!

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Tips for Cooking Diced Chicken Perfectly for Pasta Recipes

Getting the chicken right is key to this recipe. Here are a few tips:

• Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet—this keeps it from steaming
• Let it brown slightly for extra flavor
• Marinate in a bit of honey and oil for even deeper flavor

Bonus idea: Use rotisserie chicken to save time!

Flavor Variations and Ingredient Swaps

This recipe is super adaptable. Try these easy variations:

• Add heat: Toss in crushed red pepper or cayenne
• Go smoky: Use smoked gouda in place of cheddar
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli
• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and almond or oat milk

Want something lighter? Try Easy Low-Carb Chicken Casserole for a similar dish without the pasta.

How to Serve: Dinner Ideas Under 20 Dollars That Feel Gourmet

This macaroni and cheese dinner idea is rich and filling on its own, but you can easily dress it up or down:

Serve it with:

• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• A fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Arugula Nectarine Salad for a fresh, summery contrast

Meal Prep & Leftovers: Store and Reheat Like a Pro

Make extra for future meals! Here’s how:

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk or reheat in a pan on low heat until creamy again

Tip: Add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Make It a Meal: Easy Comfort Meals for Two or a Crowd

Cooking for two? Halve the recipe for the perfect portion. Feeding a crowd? Double it and bake in a casserole dish for 20 minutes at 350°F for a golden top.

This is one of those easy comfort meals for two that can also scale for family dinner night or potlucks. For another crowd-pleasing bake, try Chicken Pillows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken and Cheese Pasta Dishes

• Overcooking the pasta: It will continue to cook in the sauce
• Using low-fat cheese: Doesn’t melt as smoothly
• Adding cold milk to the roux: Can create lumps
• Skipping the pepper: It balances the sweetness
• Not seasoning the chicken: It should be flavorful on its own

Follow the steps and your meal will turn out just right every time.

Budget Breakdown: Super Easy Cheap Dinner Anyone Can Afford

Here’s an estimated cost analysis (prices may vary):

• Pasta: $1
• Chicken: $4
• Cheese: $3
• Milk, flour, butter: $2
• Honey, spices, oil: $1
  Total: ~$11 for 4 servings

That’s less than $3 per serving—an amazing option for those looking for dinner ideas under 20 dollars that still feel indulgent.

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FAQs: Dinner to Make with Chicken and Macaroni

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep fully and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of milk before serving.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly.

Is it spicy?
Only mildly. Adjust the pepper to your taste.

What other cheeses can I use?
Try Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyère, or smoked cheddar.

How can I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra ½ cup of milk and a little cream cheese for more richness.

More Dinner Recipes Mac and Cheese Fans Will Love

Craving more cheesy comfort? Try:

• Best Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie – creamy, savory comfort in a slow cooker
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl – spicy-sweet and meal-prep friendly
• Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits – cheesy, indulgent, and totally satisfying

Each of these recipes complements the creamy, hearty nature of this chicken pasta delight.

Conclusion: The Creamiest, Sweet-Savory Chicken Mac and Cheese You’ll Try

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is everything you want in a meal—simple, satisfying, affordable, and packed with flavor. The sweetness of honey, the heat from pepper, and the creamy cheese sauce over tender pasta and chicken come together in perfect harmony.

It’s more than just a recipe—it’s your new comfort meal champion. Don’t forget to check out more Dinner Recipes at Lyndy’s Kitchen and share this recipe with a friend who loves cheesy meals!

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