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