Description
Indulge in the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight, a dish that perfectly marries the comforting richness of classic mac and cheese with a gourmet twist. This recipe features tender, crispy honey-glazed chicken atop creamy elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce. Ideal for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions, this delightful meal guarantees to impress your family and friends with its irresistible sweet and spicy flavor profile. Prepare this dish in under an hour, making it a quick yet satisfying option that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
- Dredge the chicken in flour mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Prepare the honey pepper glaze by simmering honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Toss fried chicken in the glaze.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then adding milk and cream until smooth; stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and serve topped with glazed chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg