There’s nothing quite like mac and cheese—unless you elevate it with crispy honey pepper chicken! This bold, flavor-packed recipe brings together creamy, cheesy pasta with golden fried chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze. The result? A satisfying, restaurant-quality meal perfect for weeknights or impressing dinner guests.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold Flavor Combo: Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets crispy, glazed chicken for the ultimate bite.
- Texture Heaven: Smooth cheese sauce + crunchy chicken = irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for both casual dinners and special occasions.
- Customizable: Adjust spice and sweetness to match your preference.
Ingredients
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
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate & Fry the Chicken
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mix and fry until golden and crispy, 4–5 minutes per side. Set on paper towels to drain.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss fried chicken pieces in the glaze to coat.
Step 3: Cook the Mac and Cheese
- Cook macaroni per package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble
- Stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
- Divide into bowls or serve in a casserole-style dish.
- Top with honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with parsley or more black pepper, if desired.
Cooking Times at a Glance
- Chicken Marinating: 20–60 minutes
- Frying Chicken: 8–10 minutes total
- Glaze: 2–3 minutes
- Macaroni: 7–10 minutes
- Cheese Sauce: 5–7 minutes
Storage Tips
Refrigerator:
- Mac and Cheese: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating.
- Chicken: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.
Freezer:
- Mac and Cheese: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with added milk.
- Chicken: Not ideal for freezing, as it may lose its crispiness.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook pasta—al dente is key!
- Fry in batches to avoid soggy chicken.
- Adjust heat and sweetness to your liking by tweaking the glaze.
- For extra crunch, double-dip chicken in flour.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings the comfort of a cozy dinner with the flair of a takeout favorite. Creamy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy—it checks every box. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.