Creamy Honey Pepper Mac

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s an indulgent twist on a childhood favorite—classic mac and cheese—topped with crispy, golden chicken glazed in a sweet and peppery sauce. I first made this dish for a family get-together, and it was an instant hit. The kids loved the gooey cheese, the adults swooned over the spicy-sweet chicken, and I loved that it brought everyone together at the table.

This recipe takes a little more love than your standard mac and cheese, but the result is 100% worth it. It’s bold, satisfying, and comforting all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy mac and cheese meets crispy honey pepper chicken.
• Balanced Flavors: Sweet, spicy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite.
• Kid and Adult Approved: Everyone finds something to love in this dish.
• Perfect for Special Meals: A fun twist for family nights or celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep components ahead and assemble just before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 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

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 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

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Toss with a little butter or oil to keep it from sticking.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.

Add cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and smooth.

Tip: Remove from heat before adding cheese to avoid graininess.

4. Bread and Fry the Chicken

Mix flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat in the flour mixture.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

5. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat gently until slightly thickened.

Tip: Don’t boil—just warm enough to blend the flavors.

6. Assemble the Dish

Pour cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Spoon into serving bowls, then top with crispy chicken.

Drizzle the honey pepper glaze generously over the chicken and serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese. It’s delicious with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Fried chicken is best fresh, but can be crisped in the oven if reheated.

Helpful Notes

• Double the Chicken: This glaze is so good, you may want extra chicken for snacking.
• Add Some Crunch: Top with breadcrumbs or fried onions for extra texture.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and bake the chicken instead of frying.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, but the fresh-fried chicken adds more flavor and texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead?
   Yes—prepare the mac and cheese and glaze ahead. Fry the chicken just before serving.
3. How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?
   Don’t overheat the sauce after adding cheese, and use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
4. Can I use another pasta shape?
   Absolutely—shells, rotini, or penne work great.
5. Is the glaze very spicy?
   It has a gentle kick, but you can omit the red pepper flakes to keep it milder.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the definition of comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist. With crispy glazed chicken over silky mac and cheese, this dish hits all the right notes. Whether you’re treating the family or making something special for yourself, it’s a meal that never fails to impress.

Have you tried it yet? What toppings or mix-ins would you add to make it your own?