If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself, then this Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish combines tender honey-pepper infused chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting flavor combo that warms you right up. You’ll love how effortlessly the crockpot takes care of the cooking, freeing up your hands for just about anything else.

A white bowl with blue floral patterns holds two main layers. The bottom layer is creamy macaroni and cheese with shiny, smooth textures and a pale yellow color, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and light red flakes on top. On the upper right side, there are grilled pieces of meat, golden brown with dark grill marks and a slightly rough texture. The meat is also sprinkled lightly with green herbs, creating a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, slow cooker chicken and cheese casserole, easy chicken mac and cheese recipe, cheesy crockpot pasta dish, flavorful chicken and macaroni dinner

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Why You’ll Love This
Ingredient Snapshot
How to Make Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Smart Little Tips
Serving Ideas
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
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Why You’ll Love This

This crockpot recipe nails the balance between sweet and spicy with honey and black pepper, while the slow cooking makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s super easy to throw together but tastes impressive enough for guests or a special family dinner.

Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The slow cooker gently infuses the chicken with honey and pepper, while the macaroni finishes perfectly creamy without being mushy.
Crisp–Golden Finish: Adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese lends a rich tang and a toasty edge once mixed in — I always find it hits that comfort-food spot.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You mostly need basics like chicken thighs, honey, pasta, and cheese — super handy for last-minute dinners.
Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: Prep in minutes, then relax while it cooks all day; perfect for busy schedules but satisfying enough to savor.

Ingredient Snapshot

A white plate holds a creamy mac and cheese base with small, curved pasta covered in a smooth, yellow cheese sauce. On top, several golden-brown grilled scallops with a slightly crispy outer layer are placed evenly. The scallops have a light char with small black pepper specks scattered on them. Fresh chopped green onions are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding a bright touch of green. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, slow cooker chicken and cheese casserole, easy chicken mac and cheese recipe, cheesy crockpot pasta dish, flavorful chicken and macaroni dinner

Keeping your ingredients fresh and well-matched will really shine in this Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. I always recommend buying good quality chicken thighs and a sharp cheddar that melts smoothly to elevate this homey dish.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Choose firm, fresh thighs as they stay juicy and shred beautifully after slow cooking.
Honey: Go for raw or mild flavored honey to balance spice without overpowering.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Pick a medium to sharp variety for that punch of flavor and creamy melt.
Elbow macaroni: Classic small pasta that holds sauce well without turning mushy.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium to control salt and enhance natural flavors.

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1 — Set Up & Season

Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes in a large bowl. This marinade packs a punch of sweet heat and deep flavor. Toss your chicken thighs in this mixture until every piece is coated well—this sets up the dish’s delicious base. The marinade smells amazing, with that sharp peppery note balanced by honey's smooth sweetness.

Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix

Transfer the marinated chicken and all that fragrant marinade straight to your crockpot and arrange it in a single layer to cook evenly. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken—this adds moisture and flavor while the slow cooker works its magic. Cover, and set to LOW for 6–7 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 if you’re in a rush. The chicken will cook until it’s fall-apart tender; you’ll be able to shred it easily with forks. This slow simmer is what makes the meat juicy and fully infused with that honey-pepper goodness.

Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture

Once the chicken is shredded and set aside, add the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the crockpot. Don’t drain the cooking liquid; this starchy broth becomes your pasta’s flavor bath. Stir to submerge the pasta as best you can, cover, and cook on HIGH for about 25–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still hold its shape. Finally, stir in sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and milk until melted and creamy. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, combine gently, and season with salt to taste. The result is a luscious cheesy sauce infused with tender chicken and a hint of honeyed warmth.

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Smart Little Tips

Through making this Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe a few times, I've learned that patience with slow cooking and watching the pasta closely at the end makes all the difference. Don’t rush the cheese melting step—it should be smooth and silky for the best creaminess.

Doneness Cue: Chicken should shred easily with two forks without any resistance.
Temperature Trick: Use HIGH for the pasta step to speed cooking, but keep an eye on the lid for steam buildup.
Make-Ahead Move: Prepare the marinade and chicken the night before to deepen flavors.
Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overcook the pasta or it’ll become mushy—check often in the final cook.

Serving Ideas

A white plate with a base layer of creamy yellow macaroni pasta covered in melted cheese. On top, there are six golden brown, seared scallops with a crispy, slightly charred surface. Small green chopped onions are scattered over the scallops and macaroni, adding a fresh contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, slow cooker chicken and cheese casserole, easy chicken mac and cheese recipe, cheesy crockpot pasta dish, flavorful chicken and macaroni dinner

Finishing Touches

Topping this dish with freshly chopped green onions adds a crisp bite and vibrant color that wakes up the creamy richness of the mac and cheese. A sprinkle of extra cracked black pepper also amps up that peppery kick shining through the honey glaze. I sometimes add a little shredded Parmesan on top for an extra layer of savory depth.

Pair It With

This Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon or vinegar to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted seasonal veggies like broccoli or green beans bring color and crunch, balancing the creamy, saucy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette rounds out the meal with texture contrast.

Easy Plating Upgrades

For a weeknight, a dash of chopped parsley or extra green onions on top looks lovely and fresh. Hosting guests? Serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a toasted breadcrumb sprinkle and a drizzle of honey or a pinch of smoked paprika for a gentle smoky heat. It really elevates the presentation without extra fuss.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The texture will mellow out slightly but still tastes great warmed up. I recommend packing it in smaller portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing Tips

This recipe freezes okay but the pasta may soften more upon thawing. To retain texture, freeze in single portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to revive creaminess.

Reheating Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Without Drying Out

Reheat in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or in a low oven (around 325°F) wrapped in foil to keep moisture in. Stir occasionally and add a little milk or broth if it seems dry. An air fryer can crisp the top slightly, but watch carefully so it doesn’t overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs remain juicier and shred more easily after slow cooking. If you prefer breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

You can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or heavy cream, but cream cheese adds that signature tang and thickness that complements the honey and pepper well.

Can I prepare this without a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a covered casserole dish and then mix with pasta and cheese on the stove, but the slow cooker develops deeper flavor and effortless tender texture.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild-medium, controlled by the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit the flakes if you want it gentler.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels truly comforting yet fuss-free. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you end up with a dish that sings with sweet, peppery warmth and cheese-laden bliss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a simple joy that comes together beautifully every time.

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