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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight perfectly combines velvety smooth mac and cheese with crispy, honey-glazed pepper chicken. The dish delivers a delicious balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it ideal for comforting weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

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

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize. In another bowl, mix flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to blend flavors and slightly thicken the glaze. Toss the fried chicken in the glaze, coating each piece evenly.
  3. Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring full coating. Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top with honey pepper glazed chicken pieces. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy, crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce texture.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to maintain an al dente texture that holds well in the cheese sauce.
  • Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure crispiness.
  • Adjust the honey and spice levels in the glaze to suit your taste preferences.
  • Reheat leftover chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
  • Store mac and cheese and chicken separately; mac and cheese can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen for up to 2 months, while fried chicken is best consumed fresh or refrigerated for 2-3 days.

Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, creamy mac and cheese, fried chicken, comfort food, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese, crispy chicken, honey glaze

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-delight-recipe/