Description

Indulge in the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight, a comforting dish that marries rich, velvety cheeses with crispy honey-glazed chicken. This elevated take on classic mac and cheese is perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, offering an irresistible blend of sweet and spicy flavors. In just under an hour, you can create a meal that impresses even the pickiest eaters. With simple preparation steps and accessible ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to whip up! Enjoy each bite as it warms your heart and satisfies your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes. This tenderizes the meat.
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot.
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
Fry chicken until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per side). Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes while stirring frequently to blend flavors.
Toss the crispy chicken in the glaze until evenly coated.
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until bubbly.
Slowly add whole milk and heavy cream while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
Reduce heat; stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted smoothly into the sauce.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined.
Spoon generous portions of mac and cheese into serving bowls.
Top each serving with pieces of honey pepper glazed chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 650
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg