Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese (Printer-Friendly Version)
A rich blend of creamy mac and cheese paired with crispy honey pepper chicken for flavorful comfort.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Macaroni and Cheese
01 -
240 grams elbow macaroni
02 -
30 grams unsalted butter
03 -
16 grams all-purpose flour
04 -
480 milliliters whole milk
05 -
240 milliliters heavy cream
06 -
200 grams shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 -
60 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
08 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Honey Pepper Chicken
11 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
12 -
240 milliliters buttermilk
13 -
120 grams all-purpose flour
14 -
1 teaspoon paprika
15 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
16 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
17 -
Vegetable oil for frying
→ Honey Pepper Glaze
18 -
110 milliliters honey
19 -
15 milliliters soy sauce
20 -
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
21 -
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour for enhanced tenderness.
02 -
Combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish to form the breading mixture.
03 -
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess, and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
04 -
Combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
05 -
Toss fried chicken pieces in the warm honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.
06 -
Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
07 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
08 -
Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Portion into serving bowls and top with glazed honey pepper chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
For extra tender chicken, marinate for up to one hour. Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.