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Close-up of creamy mac and cheese topped with juicy grilled chicken breast slices, seasoned with honey and black pepper.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – High-Protein Comfort Food Dinner Recipe

Samantha
Tender honey pepper-glazed chicken tossed with creamy mac and cheese—this protein-packed comfort food dish is rich, flavorful, and ideal for cozy weeknights, easy meal prep, or sharing at potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine American (Southern-Inspired)
Servings 6 servings
Calories 610 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cook until golden.
  • Add the glaze: Drizzle in honey and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
  • Make the cheese sauce: In a separate pot, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir until thickened.
  • Add cheese: Stir in cheddar and mustard powder, and season to taste.
  • Combine: Add cooked pasta and glazed chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
  • Serve hot: Top with extra pepper or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry with Mushrooms

1. Use extra-large shrimp for the juiciest texture: Larger shrimp (like 16/20 count) stay tender and meaty even with high-heat stir-frying, making them perfect for quick meals like this high-protein stir-fry.
2. Blanch the asparagus for brighter color and perfect crunch: Before stir-frying, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute and immediately shock in ice water. This keeps it crisp-tender and vibrant green.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan: To get that perfect caramelization on mushrooms and shrimp, cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing.
4. Let the mushrooms cook undisturbed: Give mushrooms a few minutes without stirring so they develop deep golden edges and a meaty texture that boosts the stir-fry’s umami profile.
5. Add the garlic and sauce last: To avoid burning garlic and over-reducing your stir-fry sauce, toss them in right at the end for the freshest flavor and glossy finish.
6. Go low-sodium when using soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to control salt levels while keeping that savory punch. You can always adjust with a pinch of sea salt if needed.
7. Finish with a touch of acid: A splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice at the end lifts the entire dish and balances the savory flavors—don’t skip it!
8. Serve immediately for best texture: Shrimp can go rubbery if overcooked, and asparagus loses its snap. Serve the stir-fry hot from the pan for the perfect bite every time.
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