If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort dish that balances creamy, savory, sweet, and just a kick of heat, look no further than this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. Here, you’ll get tender, golden-fried chicken glazed in honey and cracked black pepper, nestled atop a silky bed of macaroni bathed in an outrageously rich cheese sauce. The true magic happens when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each bite is pure cheesy bliss. This isn’t just mac and cheese—it’s an irresistible flavor adventure you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe works together for texture, flavor, and eye-popping color. From the sharp tang of cheddar to the touch of honey, don’t skip a step—each piece is essential to making this macaroni and cheese truly special!

Elbow macaroni (2 cups): Perfect size for catching sauce in every bite and grabbing those pieces of chicken.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds creamy richness and builds the base for your cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons and 1 cup): Used for both thickening the sauce and coating the chicken—talk about multitasking!
Whole milk (2 cups): Makes the cheese sauce luxuriously smooth.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret for ultra-rich, decadent mac and cheese.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The bold and tangy backbone of your cheese sauce.
Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Adds glorious stretch and mild creaminess.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a warm, savory depth to the sauce.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts flavor with subtle sweetness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Let these twin pillars balance and pop the other flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pieces): Use juicy, tender chicken for the ultimate bite.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and gives it a crave-able tang.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the fried coating.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon cracked): For both seasoning and bold, peppery flavor.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Go for neutral oil so the flavors of cheese and honey pepper shine through.
Honey (1/3 cup): Sweetness to balance the pepper and brighten every mouthful.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the glaze with umami punch.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a spark of heat—use as much or as little as you like!

How to Make Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes. This little soak is like a spa treatment for chicken—it makes it deliciously tender and ensures that every piece fries up juicy inside, crispy outside.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Take your marinated chicken and dredge each piece in this seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. This layer is the secret to extraordinary crunch in every bite.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a sturdy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry chicken pieces until they’re golden and super crispy, around 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate so they stay crispy while you work on the rest.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, stir together honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and, if you want a little heat, red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. The glaze should be glossy and pourable, just right for draping over the chicken.

Step 5: Glaze the Chicken

Toss your crispy chicken pieces in the warm honey pepper glaze, coating them evenly. What comes next is positively mouthwatering—the sticky glaze clings to every ridge and nook, giving you sweet heat in every crispy bite.

Step 6: Cook the Macaroni and Build the Cheese Sauce

Boil the elbow macaroni following package directions (don’t overcook—it keeps the perfect texture later!). Drain and set aside. In another saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. Pour in whole milk and heavy cream slowly, whisking smooth. Lower the heat and add both cheeses, stirring until creamy, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now comes the best part: mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently so every pasta shell is luxuriously coated.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish – Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Spoon your cheesy macaroni into bowls so it forms a rich base, then top with generous portions of honey pepper chicken. Right here, where you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, is where magic becomes dinner.

How to Serve Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or an extra grind of black pepper makes your mac and cheese pop both in flavor and presentation. If you want that vibrant restaurant feel, a tiny drizzle of leftover honey pepper glaze over the chicken seals the deal.

Side Dishes

To round things out, serve this comfort bomb with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies—the freshness balances all that creamy cheesiness and keeps the meal lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in individual cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic look, or pack the mac into ramekins and crown with chicken pieces for dinner party wow factor. For kids (or your own inner child), serve directly from the stovetop with an extra shower of melty cheese!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Mac and cheese is happiest in your fridge for up to three days, though it’s so tempting you’ll likely eat it well before then.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze in single or family-size portions. When freezing, keep the glazed chicken separate if possible. Both chicken and mac and cheese reheat beautifully, though the pasta may soften slightly.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy magic, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Want the chicken crispy again? Pop it in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbows are classic and do the best job when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, other small pastas like shells or cavatappi work wonderfully too.

How spicy is the honey pepper chicken?

The spice level can easily be dialed up or down. For just a whisper of heat, skip the red pepper flakes; if you like a tingle, add the full amount (or even a bit extra).

What’s the best way to get the cheese sauce silky smooth?

Whisk your milk and cream in slowly, keep the heat moderate, and add the shredded cheese by the handful, letting each addition melt before adding more. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce right at the end for the creamiest consistency.

Can I bake this macaroni and cheese?

Of course! Spread the macaroni in a baking dish, top with glazed chicken and a sprinkle of extra cheese, then bake at 350 F until bubbly and golden—just don’t forget to mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce first.

Is there a good way to make this lighter?

You can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use a little less cheese. For the chicken, opt for oven-baking or air-frying instead of deep frying to cut back on oil without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that genuinely delivers on flavor, comfort, and that bit of wow, make a batch of this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight tonight. Don’t forget—the real secret is to mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce for that unforgettable creamy bite every time. Let this dish become your new weeknight or celebration favorite!

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 9 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. Tender chicken bites coated in a sweet and spicy glaze are served atop a velvety macaroni and cheese that is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Toss crispy chicken in the glaze to coat evenly.
Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk, then slowly add milk and heavy cream. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Dish: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Spoon into serving bowls and top with honey pepper glazed chicken. Garnish with parsley or black pepper if desired.

Notes

You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes in the glaze.
For a crispy topping, broil the assembled dish briefly before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Frying
Cuisine: American