Description
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a comforting and flavorful recipe featuring crispy fried chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served over rich, cheesy macaroni. This dish combines the creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the bold, tangy bite of honey pepper chicken, making it a perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni 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
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
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.
- Mix the Flour Coating: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat until hot enough for frying.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat the soaked chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage, and shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
- Glaze the Chicken: Toss the crispy fried chicken in the warm honey pepper glaze to coat evenly.
- Cook the Macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls.
- Add Chicken Topping: Top each bowl with the honey pepper glazed chicken pieces.
- Garnish: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes in the glaze.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice if unavailable.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect frying.
- To reduce fat, bake the chicken pieces instead of frying.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, creamy, fried chicken, comfort food, cheesy pasta, dinner recipe
