Description
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight brings together crispy, glazed chicken bites and rich cheddar macaroni for a comfort meal that’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight indulgence or cozy weekend dinner, it’s packed with bold flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken from buttermilk into the dry mix.
3. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes. Toss fried chicken in glaze.
5. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
7. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened.
8. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
9. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in cheese sauce.
10. Serve mac and cheese topped with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra crisp chicken, let it rest on a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels.
If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
To save time, prepare the chicken and cheese sauce ahead and store separately until serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Chicken Pasta, Honey Pepper Chicken