Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
Craving comfort food with a twist? 🍯🧀 This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is crispy, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy.
🕒 Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 55 min
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shake off excess, and fry until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per side).
- Set on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
- Toss crispy chicken in the warm glaze until well coated. 🍗✨
3. Cook the Mac and Cheese
- Boil macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well for a luscious, creamy texture. 🧄🧅
4. Assemble the Dish
- Combine macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Spoon into individual serving bowls.
- Top with generous portions of honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with parsley or extra cracked pepper if desired.
Pro Tips
- Make it ahead: Store each component separately and assemble before serving for best texture.
- Swap it out: Try spicy fried tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Reheat friendly: Add a splash of milk when reheating mac and cheese to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
