Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight brings together everything you could want in comfort food. You get the silkiness of classic mac and cheese layered with crispy morsels of sweet-spicy glazed chicken. The textures and flavors in every bite are a total joy especially on chilly nights or when you want a dinner that feels extra special without a ton of fuss.

The first time I made this I could not believe how perfectly the honey pepper glaze worked with melty cheese. My family asks for it every time we have a movie night.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: provides the classic shape and is great for holding onto every bit of cheese sauce Look for sturdy pasta that keeps a slight bite when cooked
• Butter: gives richness and helps form the base of the sauce Use a good quality unsalted butter so you control the seasoning
• All-purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce and gives it that traditional silkiness Opt for fresh flour without any musty smell
• Whole milk and heavy cream: make the sauce creamy and decadent Go for fresh dairy with a good expiration date
• Shredded cheddar cheese: delivers big cheesy flavor Use medium or sharp cheddar and try shredding yourself for best melt
• Mozzarella cheese: offers gooeyness and a bit of stretch Always choose whole milk mozzarella for creaminess
• Garlic powder and onion powder: enhance the savory character and round out the sauce Check your spices for freshness so you get their full aroma
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: makes for juicy tender pieces Cut them evenly for more consistent frying
• Buttermilk: gives the fried chicken its signature lift and helps keep it tender Real cultured buttermilk is best for flavor and texture
• Paprika: adds mild smoky warmth Look for a bright red paprika for highest quality
• Honey: creates that sweet sticky chicken glaze Choose local honey if possible for best taste
• Soy sauce: brings savory umami notes to the glaze Go for a naturally brewed variety
• Cracked black pepper plus red pepper flakes: give the glaze depth and just the right kick Freshly cracked is bolder in flavor
• Vegetable oil: keeps the fried chicken super crunchy Neutral flavor oils like sunflower or canola are best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

After cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces soak them in buttermilk for at least twenty minutes The buttermilk softens the meat and preps it for dredging Meanwhile set up a dredging station by mixing flour paprika salt and black pepper in a shallow bowl

Fry the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet with enough oil to shallow fry over medium heat Remove the chicken from the buttermilk dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour and shake off any excess Carefully fry in batches so the oil temperature stays steady Cook about four to five minutes per side until deep golden brown Drain on a plate lined with paper towels for maximum crisp

Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:

In a small saucepan stir together honey soy sauce cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes Simmer gently for two to three minutes until slightly thick Toss the hot fried chicken pieces in the glaze making sure every piece gets coated and set aside

Cook the Macaroni:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil Add pasta and cook until just tender then drain well Set aside while you make the cheese sauce

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat Whisk in the flour and let it cook for one to two minutes until it smells a bit nutty This removes the raw flour taste Gradually whisk in the milk and cream to avoid lumps Keep whisking as the mixture thickens Reduce the heat add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and stir until silky and smooth Season with garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper adjusting to your taste

Assemble:

Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce so every piece is coated Scoop into warm serving bowls Top each bowl with a generous handful of the honey pepper chicken Drizzle any extra glaze and garnish with chopped parsley or black pepper if you like

Pin

I have always loved making cheese sauce from scratch and it brings back memories of my mom letting me whisk at the stove on cold afternoons Now I pass that on to my kids and let them help add the ingredients and taste the sauce for seasoning

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to three days For best results reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave with a splash of milk to keep the sauce smooth Chicken stays crispest if stored separately and reserved for topping right before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken if short on time just glaze after warming up Try Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella or use smoked gouda for a bolder flavor Dairy free versions can be made by using plant-based cheeses and milks but the texture will change Crunchy tofu cooked the same way makes a great chicken substitute

Serving Suggestions

For extra flair serve this with a bright side salad or steamed broccoli For more crunch add toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of fried shallots over the top It pairs well with lightly pickled vegetables to cut the richness

Pin

Cultural and Historical Context

Mac and cheese has long been a staple of American comfort food with roots stretching back to early colonial times This version borrows from Southern traditions pairing honey glazed fried chicken with creamy pasta for a modern soulful twist

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until golden and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate before glazing. This helps retain crispiness before adding the honey pepper sauce.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, shells, penne, or fusilli all work well in place of elbow macaroni, holding sauce and toppings nicely.

→ How spicy is the honey pepper glaze?

The glaze combines sweetness from honey with a mild to medium heat from cracked black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust spiciness as desired.

→ What cheeses can be substituted in the sauce?

Cheddar and mozzarella provide creaminess and stretch, but try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for different flavors.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Assemble components separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the chicken’s crispiness and fresh textures.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

Use reduced-fat cheese, milk instead of cream, and bake or air-fry the chicken for a less rich but still flavorful result.