Easy Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Whipping up a creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese promises pure comfort on a plate.

cheese lovers understand the magnetic pull of this indulgent dish.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Smooth, velvety sauce mingles with tender chicken pieces, creating irresistible bites.

Spicy pepper notes dance alongside sweet honey undertones, making each forkful a delightful surprise.

Picky eaters and adventurous souls alike will find themselves enchanted by this culinary creation.

You’ll want to savor every single creamy, decadent spoonful.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken stays crispy after glazing?

Pat the chicken dry before dredging and use high-heat frying. After glazing, place the chicken on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and maintain crispiness.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with monterey jack, gouda, or gruyere. Just ensure they melt well and complement the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.

• Is buttermilk necessary for marinating the chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

• How spicy is the honey pepper glaze?

The glaze has a mild to moderate heat from black and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

Why Honey Pepper Mac & Cheese Is a Must-Try

• Transform classic mac and cheese into a gourmet experience with crispy, honey-glazed chicken that adds an exciting flavor twist.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying red pepper flakes and black pepper to suit different taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.
• Combine kid-friendly mac and cheese with slightly sophisticated honey pepper chicken that appeals to both children and adults, creating a harmonious meal everyone will enjoy.
• Prepare a restaurant-quality dish at home with straightforward steps, minimal ingredients, and maximum flavor impact, making it ideal for busy households seeking delicious meals.

Ingredients for Chicken Mac & Cheese

• Chicken Pieces: Tender meat for the base of the dish.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and flavor the chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp cheese flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds melty, stretchy texture.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth cheese sauce.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used for coating chicken and thickening sauce.
• Paprika: Adds mild spice and color to chicken coating.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy note.
• Garlic Powder: Provides savory depth.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle aromatic flavor.

• Honey: Creates sweet glaze for chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to honey glaze.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a spicy kick.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta for mac and cheese.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh herbal touch.
• Extra Black Pepper: Enhances spice level.

How to Make Chicken Mac & Cheese Delight

Step 1: Marinate and Prepare Crispy Chicken

Grab your buttermilk and soak chicken pieces for 20 minutes to tenderize the meat.

Create a crispy coating by mixing flour with zesty spices.

Heat oil in a pan until it shimmers with cooking potential.

Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, gently shaking off excess.

Fry the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, cooking about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Transfer the crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Whip Up Honey Pepper Glaze

Combine your sticky honey with bold soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes in a saucepan.

Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring frequently to blend the flavors.

Once the glaze develops a rich consistency, toss the crispy chicken pieces until they’re completely coated in the sweet and spicy goodness.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth base.

Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Lower the heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt into a creamy dream.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Bring the Dish Together

Fold the cooked macaroni into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets perfectly coated.

Spoon the mac and cheese into serving bowls, creating a welcoming base.

Crown each serving with the honey pepper glazed chicken pieces.

For a final touch, sprinkle fresh parsley or an extra dash of black pepper to elevate the presentation.

Tips for Creamy Mac & Cheese with Chicken

• Let chicken marinate in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, ensuring juicy meat with each bite.
• Use a mix of flour and spices, shaking off excess to create a light, even breading that delivers perfect crunch without heaviness.
• Gradually add milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, luxurious cheese sauce that coats pasta beautifully.
• Simmer honey pepper glaze on low heat to develop rich flavors without burning, creating a perfect sweet and spicy coating for chicken.
• Fry chicken at medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining inner juiciness, preventing dry or burnt results.

How to Store & Reheat Chicken Mac Dish

• Store leftovers in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken and mac and cheese to maintain crispy texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap mac and cheese and chicken in freezer-safe containers. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months, while mac and cheese lasts 1-2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place mac and cheese in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Warm chicken separately to prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mac and cheese in baking dish, adding milk if dry. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Reheat chicken on separate baking sheet for crispy exterior. Combine and serve hot.

Pairings for Honey Pepper Mac & Cheese

• Crisp Wine Complement: Pair this creamy, spicy mac and cheese with a chilled Riesling that balances the dish's rich honey and pepper flavors, cutting through the cheese's heaviness while complementing the sweet-heat profile.
• Refreshing Beer Match: Select a crisp, hoppy IPA that stands up to the chicken's bold glaze, with citrusy notes that contrast the creamy mac and cheese, creating a delightful flavor interaction.
• Zesty Side Salad Boost: Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds, which provides a fresh, bright counterpoint to the dish's richness and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Cooling Beverage Option: Serve with a cold, creamy buttermilk ranch drink that soothes the pepper's heat and echoes the buttermilk-soaked chicken, offering a smooth complementary experience.

Flavor Twists for Chicken Mac & Cheese

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch for chicken coating. Use gluten-free macaroni and certified gluten-free soy sauce to create a safe, delicious meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Edition: Increase red pepper flakes and add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Drizzle extra hot sauce over the finished dish for heat lovers seeking an intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use almond flour for chicken coating and reduce honey quantity to maintain a lighter, keto-friendly version of the classic recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy milk to create a creamy sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese delight brings southern comfort to your dinner table with bold flavor combinations. Spicy-sweet chicken nestled in cheesy pasta creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheeses:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for 20 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor profile.
2. Create a seasoned coating by blending flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Heat oil in a skillet to medium temperature, preparing for chicken frying.
4. Carefully coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, removing excess coating.
5. Fry chicken until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring thorough cooking.
6. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
7. Craft a vibrant glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
8. Simmer glaze ingredients over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring to blend flavors and create a cohesive mixture.
9. Generously coat the crispy chicken pieces with the prepared honey pepper glaze.
10. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
11. Prepare cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in flour to create a smooth roux.
12. Gradually incorporate milk and heavy cream, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
13. Reduce heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
14. Season cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance overall taste.
15. Fold cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring thorough coating.
16. Plate the mac and cheese in serving bowls, topping with the glazed honey pepper chicken.
17. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or an additional sprinkle of black pepper for visual appeal and extra flavor.

Notes

• Opt for buttermilk marination to tenderize chicken and enhance flavor absorption, creating incredibly juicy meat with deeper taste profiles.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour for the chicken coating, ensuring crispy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Balance honey glaze heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes quantity, allowing customization for mild to spicy preferences without compromising overall dish complexity.
• Prevent cheese sauce from becoming grainy by gradually adding cheese at lower temperatures and whisking consistently, guaranteeing smooth, velvety consistency every time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 120mg