Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese delight brings together the best of comfort food with a splash of excitement. The creamy mac and cheese base melts in your mouth while the crispy honey pepper chicken adds a wonderful contrast of texture and flavor. This dish is designed to be your go-to for a cozy dinner that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight.

I first made this recipe for a casual family dinner and it quickly became a favorite. The kids loved the crispy chicken coated in the sticky honey glaze and the adults appreciated the rich, cheesy pasta underneath.

Ingredients

• For the Mac and Cheese:
• Two cups elbow macaroni: classic shape that holds sauce well
• Two tablespoons butter: for richness in the sauce
• Two tablespoons all-purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce nicely
• Two cups whole milk: provides a silky smooth base
• One cup heavy cream: boosts the creaminess and body
• Two cups shredded cheddar cheese: sharp and flavorful, the star of the sauce
• Half a cup mozzarella cheese: adds meltiness and stretch
• Half a teaspoon garlic powder: deepens flavor without overpowering
• Half a teaspoon onion powder: complements the cheese with subtle savoriness
• Salt and pepper to taste: essential for seasoning
• For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
• Two boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut bite-sized for crisp frying
• One cup buttermilk: tenderizes the chicken and helps coating stick
• One cup all-purpose flour: forms the crispy crust
• One teaspoon paprika: smokiness that lifts the breading
• Half a teaspoon salt: to season the coating
• Half a teaspoon black pepper: adds a gentle heat
• Vegetable oil: for frying to golden perfection
• For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
• One third cup honey: natural sweetness to balance the pepper
• One tablespoon soy sauce: adds an umami depth to the glaze
• One teaspoon cracked black pepper: brings the spicy kick
• Half a teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): for a little extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes or up to one hour to tenderize. Mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create the breading. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat until hot enough for frying. Lift chicken from the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess to avoid clumps. Fry chicken pieces in batches, about four to five minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:

In a small saucepan combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer on low heat for two to three minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened and aromatic. Toss the fried chicken in the warm glaze until each piece is coated evenly.

Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:

Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook for one to two minutes until it forms a golden roux. Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Lower the heat and add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and silky smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is coated thoroughly. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls or a large dish. Top generously with the honey pepper glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra crack of black pepper for a finishing touch.

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One of my favorite moments with this dish was watching my picky eater try the crispy chicken, glazed and sticky, and then asking for seconds. The balance of sweet and spicy with the creamy base really won over the whole family.

Storage tips

• Keep leftover mac and cheese and chicken separate in airtight containers to maintain texture.
• Mac and cheese will keep in the fridge for up to four days; add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
• Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to revive its crunch rather than microwaving, which makes it soggy.
• While mac and cheese freezes well for up to two months, avoid freezing the fried chicken as it loses its crunchiness on thawing.

Ingredient substitutions

• Swap elbow macaroni for cavatappi or shell pasta if you prefer shapes that hold more sauce.
• Use half and half instead of heavy cream and whole milk for a lighter sauce.
• Chicken thighs can replace breasts if you want juicier meat, though cooking times may vary.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for five minutes.

Serving suggestions

• Serve this dish with a simple green salad for freshness and balance.
• A side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus complements the richness nicely.
• Add a crunchy topping of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese on the mac and cheese before baking for extra texture.
• Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

Cultural context

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food across many cultures, rooted in both Italian and American culinary traditions. Adding honey pepper chicken offers a modern twist that brings sweet and spicy elements popular in Southern cooking. This dish combines classic American comfort with a slight Asian-inspired glaze thanks to the soy sauce in the honey pepper topping.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth.
• Do not overcrowd your pan when frying chicken — this reduces oil temperature and makes the coating less crispy.
• Adjust sweetness and heat of the glaze gradually to suit your family’s taste by tweaking honey and pepper quantities.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken crispy after cooking?

After frying, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. To keep it crispy when reheating, use an oven or air fryer at moderate heat instead of a microwave.

→ What cheese works best for the mac and cheese base?

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor while mozzarella adds creamy stretchiness. Combining both creates a smooth, flavorful sauce.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the honey pepper glaze?

Yes, add more cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or reduce those ingredients for a milder glaze.

→ What is the purpose of buttermilk in preparing the chicken?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour coating adhere, resulting in juicier, crispier pieces.

→ How long should I cook the pasta to achieve the right texture?

Cook the elbow macaroni al dente, usually between 7 to 10 minutes depending on the package instructions, so it holds its shape when combined with the sauce.

→ How should leftovers be stored to keep flavors fresh?

Store mac and cheese and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat mac with a splash of milk and chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain texture.