Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– In a small bowl, mix together the honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
– Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt on both sides.
– Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
– In the last 2 minutes of cooking, drizzle the honey and pepper mixture over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. **Cook the Pasta:**
– While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.

3. **Make the Cheese Sauce:**
– In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
– Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
– Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the mustard powder (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. **Combine Everything:**
– Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Then, gently fold in the sliced honey pepper chicken, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.

5. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Serve the honey pepper chicken mac and cheese in bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
– Enjoy this indulgent, sweet, and savory dish hot!

### Why You’ll Love Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

– **Sweet and Savory Perfection:** The combination of honey and pepper on the chicken adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat that complements the creamy, cheesy pasta.
– **Comfort Food with a Twist:** This is mac and cheese like you’ve never had it before. The honey pepper chicken adds a whole new layer of flavor, making it exciting and different, while still keeping the cozy, familiar comfort food vibes.
– **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
– **Family-Friendly:** The flavors are universally loved, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, especially when you want to feed both adults and kids alike.
– **One-Pot Wonder:** Aside from the skillet for the chicken, everything else comes together in one pot. Less cleanup is always a win!

### The Verdict: A Flavorful Fusion of Comfort and Flavor

If you’re looking to take your mac and cheese to the next level, **Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese** is the way to go. The rich, creamy pasta mixed with the tender, flavorful honey pepper chicken creates a meal that’s comforting, indulgent, and satisfying. It’s a dish that brings together the best of both sweet and savory worlds, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So the next time you want to make something familiar yet exciting, try this recipe. It’s a simple, delicious, and creative way to enjoy the classic mac and cheese with a flavorful twist.