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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – Crispy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor


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  • Author: mary recipe
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese blends crispy glazed chicken with rich, velvety pasta. Bold, sweet, and spicy comfort food in one dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese Base:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Crispy Chicken:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Honey Pepper Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese


Instructions

  1. Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then fry until golden brown.
  5. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  6. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Slowly add milk and cream, whisk until smooth.
  8. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted.
  9. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  10. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
  11. Combine pasta with cheese sauce.
  12. In a small pan, heat honey, soy sauce, cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes until slightly thickened.
  13. Toss fried chicken in the glaze to coat.
  14. Top mac and cheese with the honey pepper chicken.
  15. Serve warm.

creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Adjust the glaze’s heat by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.
  • Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg