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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

  • Author: Sara McKenney

Description

Craving something outrageously comforting and packed with flavor? Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is your next must-try recipe! This easy dinner idea brings together crispy chicken bites glazed in sweet and peppery honey sauce with irresistibly creamy mac and cheese. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, satisfying lunches, or when you’re simply in need of indulgent food ideas that hit all the right notes. Whether you’re browsing for a quick comfort meal, healthy-ish snack alternatives, or crowd-pleasing dinner ideas, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and pure joy. The balance of heat and honey, crunch and cream, makes every bite something to remember.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp butter

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, extra shredded cheese, or cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook roux for 2 mins.
  4. Gradually add warm milk and cream. Stir until thickened.
  5. Mix in cheeses, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  6. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings for chicken dredge.
  7. Coat chicken in flour mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain.
  8. In a small saucepan, simmer honey, soy sauce, pepper, chili flakes, vinegar. Stir in butter.
  9. Toss fried chicken in glaze just before serving.
  10. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni. Plate and top with glazed chicken.
  11. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST

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