Description
Creamy Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines rich cheeses with tender chicken, creating a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- 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.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, paprika, and salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the honey pepper mixture over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Serve the creamy mac and cheese topped with slices of honey pepper chicken.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or the honey pepper mixture.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg