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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Creamy, Honey Pepper, Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner
