Creating Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is simple and rewarding. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water, add a pinch of salt, and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Add Honey: Drizzle the honey over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the honey caramelizes slightly.
4. Create Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the milk and sour cream to the pot. Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot with a lid and let sit for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

With these steps, you’ll create a deliciously satisfying Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese that everyone will love!