![To make Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, you need the right mix of ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these items before you start cooking. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth. Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the dish. The elbow macaroni serves as the base, while the cheeses create a creamy sauce. Honey adds sweetness, and black pepper gives a nice kick. This balance makes it a crowd-pleaser. For the full recipe, check the instructions to ensure perfect results. - Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. - Drain and set aside. To cook the macaroni, fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want it firm but not hard. This is called al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander. Set it aside for later. - Create roux with butter and flour. - Gradually add milk and thicken sauce. Now, let’s make the cheese sauce. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Stir for about one minute to create a roux. This helps thicken our sauce. Next, slowly pour in the milk while whisking. This keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. - Incorporate cheddar and mozzarella. - Mix in chicken, honey, and spices. - Combine with macaroni. Once the sauce is thick, reduce the heat to low. Add the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until both cheeses melt and blend into the sauce. Next, add the diced chicken, honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all these delicious flavors. Now, fold in the cooked macaroni, making sure every piece is coated in that cheesy goodness. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Transfer to baking dish and add breadcrumbs. - Bake until golden and bubbly. If you want a crispy top, let’s bake it! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese into a baking dish. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunch. Bake it for about 15 minutes. You want it to be golden and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth. Enjoy! For the complete steps on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To make the best cheese sauce, whisk constantly. This keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free. I recommend using freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that make it less creamy. Fresh cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor. You can make this dish your own! Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the spice levels. If you like it spicy, add more black pepper or even some cayenne. For a milder taste, reduce the pepper. Serve this dish hot for the best taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. These sides balance the rich flavors of the mac and cheese. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. - Use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. - Replace the chicken with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory twist. These options add great flavors and textures. Each choice gives a new life to the classic dish. Cheese is key in mac and cheese. You can always mix it up! - Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. - Gouda adds a nice smokey flavor that many love. - Experiment with a blend of cheeses for depth. Mixing cheeses can make your dish unique and fun. The taste will be rich and creamy. If you need a gluten-free option, it’s simple! - Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. - Use gluten-free flour for your roux. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal. You won’t lose any flavor or creaminess. Try these variations to make the dish your own! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To keep your Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This way, it stays safe and tasty. It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. I recommend freezing in individual portions. This makes it easy to grab a serving when you want one. Use the frozen mac and cheese within 2-3 months for the best quality. Make sure to label the containers with the date so you know when to use them. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Use the microwave or stovetop for best results. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of milk to restore its creaminess. This little trick helps it taste just as good as when you first made it! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Just refrigerate it. When you are ready, bake it as normal. This makes it easy for busy days! Yes, you can use non-dairy milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk works well. However, keep in mind it may change the sauce's creaminess. You might want to add a bit more cheese to balance it out. You can spice it up! Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Or use cayenne pepper for some heat. Adjust these based on your taste. It’s all about finding what you love in this dish. This article covered a tasty recipe for Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. You learned about the key ingredients, like macaroni and chicken, and how to make a creamy cheese sauce. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and options for storage and reheating. Remember, you can customize it to your taste with different proteins and cheeses. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family and friends. It's easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress! Dive in and start cooking today!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7e2c09e3-6189-4342-b02b-c3376c8650de-300x300.webp)
Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Indulge in a delicious twist with this Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish combines tender chicken and a hint of sweetness from honey, making it a family favorite. Perfect for dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mac and cheese game!