Ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – Better Than Takeout

This lightened-up Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, slightly sweet, and has just the right kick of peppery heat. Loaded with lean chicken and whole grain pasta, it’s a hearty meal that won’t weigh you down but will absolutely satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory Perfection: A mouthwatering combo of honey, black pepper, and cheddar cheese.
High-Protein Comfort Food: Lean chicken breast and Greek yogurt make it filling and flavorful.
Lighter Ingredients, Big Flavor: Smart swaps for guilt-free indulgence.
Family-Friendly Favorite: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 cups cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp light butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

• Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

• In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add cooked chicken, honey, pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
• Sauté for 3–4 minutes until glazed and lightly caramelized. Set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
• Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in Greek yogurt and shredded cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Add mustard powder if using.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

• Add cooked pasta and honey pepper chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat evenly.
• Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra black pepper or chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 310 | Carbs: 29g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 28g | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Balance the Flavors: Adjust the honey and pepper to your taste for the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make It Ahead: Reheats beautifully for lunch or meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor Fusion: The contrast of sweet honey, bold black pepper, and creamy cheese is irresistible.
• High in Protein: Keeps you fuller longer with lean chicken and Greek yogurt.
• Comfort with a Kick: Like mac and cheese got a gourmet upgrade—with less guilt.
• Simple & Quick: Ready in under 45 minutes for busy weeknights.

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a bold twist on a comfort classic. With tender chicken, a creamy cheese sauce, and the unexpected sweetness of honey, it’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or next-day leftovers. Lightened-up, but full of flavor—it’s everything you crave in a bowl.