Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Some cheese recipes keep it simple. Others like to shake things up a bit. This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe definitely falls into the second group. With creamy pasta, sticky-sweet chicken, and a hint of heat, it’s comfort food with a bold twist.

We use our Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar from Goot Essa for this one. It’s sharp, tangy, and melts like a dream—just the thing to balance the sweetness of the honey and the bite of the pepper.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper

For the mac and cheese

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Goot Essa Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • Salt to taste

Directions:

Cook the pasta until just tender, drain, and set aside.

In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil with salt and pepper until golden. Add honey and black pepper. Let it bubble until the chicken is coated and sticky.

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk and stir until thickened. Add the cheddar and seasonings, stir until smooth, then combine with the pasta.

Spoon the cheesy pasta into a baking dish, top with the chicken, and bake at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you can wait.

Your Favorite Cheese, From Our Hands to Your Table

At Goot Essa, we do things a little differently. Our cheeses are made in small batches with fresh milk from our own farms. That’s what gives them their deep, rich flavor and buttery finish. The Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar used in this recipe is aged to perfection in our cheese caves for the kind of tang and melt you can’t get anywhere else.

Whether you’re looking for something sharp and crumbly or smooth and mellow, we’ve got a block with your name on it. Try our cheese subscriptions, browse our gift baskets, or explore new cheese recipes that make every meal a little more memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different Goot Essa cheese in this recipe?

Yes. Der Alpen Cheese adds a nuttier flavor, and Garden Pepper Cheddar brings a little heat if you want an extra kick.

Is the chicken spicy?

Just a little. The cracked black pepper balances out the sweetness of the honey, but you can always adjust to your liking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and cheese sauce in advance. Just combine everything and bake when ready to serve.

What sides go well with this?

A simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or even some fresh-baked rolls pair perfectly. It's hearty, so keep the sides light.