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For Honey Pepper Chicken Mac, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced (red and yellow) - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt to taste You can swap some ingredients for similar ones. Here are some ideas: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. - Maple syrup can replace honey if you want a different sweet flavor. - If you don’t have elbow macaroni, penne or rotini also work well. - Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option for less salt. Selecting good ingredients is key for great flavor. Here are tips to help you: - Choose chicken that is firm and pink. Avoid any that looks gray or slimy. - Pick fresh bell peppers that are bright and firm. Check for blemishes. - Look for honey that is pure and raw. It has more flavor than processed honey. - For cheese, select blocks of cheddar to shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives. This dish shines with fresh, quality ingredients. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps give the pasta flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir the pasta a few times to prevent sticking. When it's done, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for a savory touch. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly. When the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized, toss in 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers. Sauté the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften a bit. Now, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Mix everything well until the pasta is heated through. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. If needed, sprinkle some salt to taste. Enjoy your delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac! To get the best chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Before cooking, marinate the chicken well. The honey and spices add flavor. Cook it over medium heat for even browning. This helps lock in moisture. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. The chicken should take about 6-8 minutes to cook fully. Seasonings make a big difference in taste. Use freshly cracked black pepper for a bold kick. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to your dish. Soy sauce brings a savory touch. Don't forget to taste as you cook. Adjust the salt to fit your preference. Adding bell peppers gives a sweet crunch too. For a creamy texture, choose good-quality cheddar cheese. Shred it yourself for the best melt. After removing the skillet from heat, stir in the cheese slowly. This helps it melt smoothly. Mix until it coats the pasta evenly. If the cheese clumps, add a splash of milk to help it blend. Enjoy the cheesy goodness! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the honey and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique twist on the traditional cheddar flavor. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture when combined with the sauce. Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the bell peppers. {{image_2}} You can easily add more veggies to your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac. This not only boosts flavor but also adds nutrients. Try these options: - Broccoli: Cut into small florets. Steam them first, then add during the last few minutes of cooking. - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach at the end. It wilts quickly and adds a nice touch. - Carrots: Shred or dice them small. Sauté them with the bell peppers for extra crunch. These veggie additions make the dish colorful and fun! If you want a different protein, you have choices. Here are a few ideas: - Shrimp: Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. They cook fast and pair well with honey. - Tofu: Use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then sauté until golden brown. - Ground turkey: Swap the chicken with ground turkey. Cook it until browned and crumbly. Each option offers a unique taste and texture. For a gluten-free version, you can easily swap out ingredients. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular macaroni. Here are some additional tips: - Soy Sauce: Find gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the flavor. - Cheese: Most cheeses are gluten-free, but always check the label. - Seasonings: Ensure that any seasoning mixes are gluten-free. These swaps make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities while still delicious! To keep your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This helps keep the flavors strong. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth in a pan over low heat. Stir often until hot. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. If you want to freeze your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty meal later! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Try penne, fusilli, or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun textures. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type. For example, whole wheat pasta may take longer to cook. To reduce the spice, cut back on black pepper. You can also skip the pepper altogether. Instead, use mild herbs like basil or parsley for flavor. Another option is to add a splash of cream to cool it down. This will make the dish creamy and delicious. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac pairs well with a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette works nicely. You could also serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort. For a drink, try iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors. In this post, we covered the best ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for your meal. Understanding ingredient choices, cooking methods, and variations can elevate your dish. You have simple ways to make adjustments for preference or diet. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right approach. Dive in and enjoy your culinary journey!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

A delicious and creamy macaroni dish with honey-glazed chicken and a hint of pepper.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 4 cup bell peppers, diced (red and yellow)
  • 1 4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, honey, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and soy sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Add Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell peppers and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
  • Combine Pasta and Chicken: In the skillet, add the cooked macaroni and mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is heated through and coated with the sauce.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top of the mac and cheese for added freshness and garnish.

Notes

Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference.
Keyword cheese, chicken, honey, pasta