Description
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It combines tender, golden-fried honey pepper chicken with rich, velvety macaroni and cheese. The balance of sweetness and spice, paired with cheesy goodness, makes this a perfect weeknight meal or showstopper for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (3–4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- Glaze the chicken: In a small saucepan, warm the honey and black pepper. Toss the fried chicken in the glaze. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened. Add cheeses and stir until smooth. Season with salt.
- Combine: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir until fully coated. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Assemble: Spoon mac and cheese into bowls or a serving dish. Top with honey pepper chicken. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes