Description
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings together the best of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect choice. This delightful fusion combines crispy fried chicken with creamy mac and cheese, all topped off with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
For the Mac and Cheese:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- Combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat.
- Mix cornstarch and water, then add to the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Combine with cooked macaroni.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Toss fried chicken in the honey pepper sauce. Serve over the mac and cheese.
Notes
Adjust the amount of black pepper in the sauce to control the spice level.
For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 650 kcal per serving
