Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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If comfort food had a royalty ranking, this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight would easily wear the crown. Think: velvety cheese sauce hugging every macaroni curve, topped with crispy honey pepper chicken bites that deliver the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s the kind of dish that turns an average weeknight into a cozy food celebration.

This recipe isn’t just about rich, cheesy pasta—it’s about texture and flavor harmony. The chicken is lightly breaded and crisped to golden perfection, then coated in a buttery honey pepper glaze that adds just enough zing. Served over a creamy cheddar mac base, it becomes a dish that’s impossible not to crave again the moment you finish your last bite.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Mac and Cheese?

While elbow macaroni is the classic go-to, you can experiment with cavatappi, shells, or even rigatoni. The goal is to use pasta shapes with ridges or curves that can trap and hold all that luscious cheese sauce.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

• Chicken Breast – You want boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks. These are perfect for breading and frying to crispy perfection.
• Buttermilk – Used to tenderize the chicken and help the breading stick. It also gives the chicken that classic Southern-style flavor.
• Flour + Cornstarch – A blend of these two helps create a light, crisp coating for the fried chicken.
• Honey – Adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat from the pepper.
• Black Pepper + Crushed Red Pepper – Brings that bold, peppery kick that makes the glaze sing.
• Butter – Used in the glaze to create a rich and silky texture.
• Elbow Macaroni – Classic and ideal for holding onto all that creamy cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese – The star of the cheese sauce. Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and adds bold flavor.
• Milk + Heavy Cream – The duo for building a creamy, dreamy sauce.
• Flour + Butter (for roux) – This combo starts the cheese sauce and ensures a thick, velvety consistency.
• Salt + Garlic Powder + Onion Powder – A basic trio that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.

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How To Make the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with buttermilk and a pinch of salt. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge). This step tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick.

Step 2: Bread and Fry the Chicken

Mix flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish with a bit of salt and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until combined. Toss the fried chicken in the warm glaze right before serving.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until fully coated. Spoon into bowls and top generously with the glazed honey pepper chicken. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Serve this dish hot and fresh from the stove, ideally in wide bowls so you can scoop up both pasta and chicken in every bite. It’s rich enough to stand alone, but also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or buttery cornbread.

To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the mac and cheese over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, and re-crisp the chicken in the oven or air fryer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the honey pepper glaze?

It has a mild to medium heat depending on how much crushed red pepper you use. You can adjust the spice level easily.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake the breaded chicken on a greased rack at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try a blend of mozzarella for creaminess, pepper jack for kick, or Gruyère for nuttiness. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the cheese sauce and chicken a few hours in advance. Just store separately and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The cheese sauce and pasta don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken pieces before glazing for up to a month.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

A mix of milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar works as a quick buttermilk substitute.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight, here are a few more weeknight dinner recipes from Life with Jam that bring bold flavors and comfort in every bite:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
• Rattlesnake Pasta

These dishes each bring their own cozy flair to the dinner table—perfect for those who love layered flavors and comforting bites.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the glaze? Add extra cheese? Use a different pasta shape?

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchen. Have questions or suggestions? Drop them below—let’s cook and learn together.

Want even more crave-worthy dinner and comfort food recipes? Browse my daily creations over on Pinterest: Life with Jam.

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