Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight combines tender, crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze with rich, cheesy macaroni. It’s a comforting meal that elevates the classic mac and cheese with exciting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon 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 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Step 3: Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 4: For the glaze, mix honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper glaze to coat evenly and set aside.
- Step 6: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Step 7: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 8: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce heat.
- Step 9: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 10: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Step 11: Spoon the cheesy macaroni into serving bowls and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the coated chicken back into buttermilk and flour before frying.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère to customize the mac and cheese taste.
- Swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version, using the same glaze for flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. The chicken is best enjoyed the same day, but reheated pieces can be crisped up briefly under the broiler.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken and mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce in advance. Store separately and combine just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
What can I use instead of buttermilk for soaking the chicken?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.
PrintCreamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight combines tender, crispy honey pepper glazed chicken with rich, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The creamy mac and cheese is infused with garlic and onion powders, while the spicy-sweet glaze adds a delightful punch that elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon 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 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Soak the bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and add flavor. In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat for frying. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess coating. Fry the chicken in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it slightly thickens and blends flavors. Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in the glaze until evenly coated for a spicy-sweet finish.
- Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the honey pepper glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra black pepper if desired for added presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the chicken in buttermilk ensures tender, juicy pieces and helps the coating stick better.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes in the glaze to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more robust flavor in the glaze.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with reduced-fat dairy options.
- Ensure oil temperature is medium to avoid burning the chicken outside while keeping it undercooked inside.
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Honey Pepper Chicken, Comfort Food, Creamy, Crispy Chicken, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Easy Dinner
