Description
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight recipe is a bold twist on classic comfort food. With crispy honey-pepper chicken, rich cheddar-mozzarella cheese sauce, and tender elbow pasta, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner idea. Great for weeknights, game nights, or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Oil for frying
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, remaining pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge chicken in the mixture.
3. Fry the coated chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy. Place on a rack or paper towel to drain.
4. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to make a roux. Whisk for 1 minute.
6. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
7. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add salt and extra black pepper to taste.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until coated.
9. Serve the mac and cheese in bowls. Top with crispy chicken and drizzle with honey. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor and tenderness.
Store mac and cheese and chicken separately if making ahead to preserve chicken crispiness.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce texture (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop + Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 165mg