Description
Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese offers a restaurant‑style, creamy comfort dish that combines tender chicken, smoky smoked beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich cheese sauce enriched with grape juice and a hint of garlic powder. This easy, family‑friendly recipe serves four, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers the sweet‑spicy honey pepper glaze that makes the classic mac and cheese unforgettable, while keeping preparation simple and satisfy
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 1/2 cup diced smoked beef
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the smoked beef and sauté until browned.
- Stir in the diced chicken, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and grape juice to the skillet, bringing it to a simmer.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you prefer a lower‑fat option
- substitute half of the heavy cream with low‑fat milk
- but the sauce will be slightly less thick. Nutrition is approximate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Family Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Keywords: Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, chicken mac and cheese, honey pepper sauce, comfort food dinner, family friendly meals, stovetop mac and cheese, creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner, cheese sauce recipe