If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances comforting, cheesy goodness with a burst of sweet and spicy flavor, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, crispy chicken bits draped in a glossy honey pepper sauce, nestled atop creamy, dreamy mac and cheese that melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that manages to be indulgent and satisfying while inviting you to savor every bite like you’re sharing a special meal with an old friend. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe hits all the right notes in texture, taste, and pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe begins with simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create unforgettable flavor and texture. In this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, each ingredient plays a vital role, from the buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the combination of cheeses that make the mac and cheese irresistibly creamy.
- Chicken breasts, 1 lb: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite is perfectly coated and cooked.
- Buttermilk, 1 cup: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that deepens the flavor.
- Flour, 1 cup: Essential for crispy fried chicken and also for the roux in the cheese sauce.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavors in both the chicken dredge and cheese sauce.
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon cracked: Adds a warming spice and pungency, especially in the sauce.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil to achieve that perfectly golden crust on the chicken.
- Honey, 1/4 cup: Provides natural sweetness to balance the peppery heat in the sauce.
- Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Introduces a bright acidity that lifts the sauce’s flavors.
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Mixed with water, it thickens the honey pepper sauce to a glossy finish.
- Water, 1/4 cup: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
- Elbow macaroni, 8 oz: The perfect pasta shape to hold cheese sauce and chicken bits with every forkful.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons: Forms the base of the cheese sauce and adds richness.
- Milk, 2 cups: Creates the creamy body of the mac and cheese sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups: Provides sharp, melty flavor essential for mac and cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup: Adds stretch and silkiness to the cheese sauce.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for juicy and tender bites. The acidity in the buttermilk gently breaks down the chicken fibers, making the meat incredibly soft and flavorful.
Step 2: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
In a bowl, mix flour with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a skillet for frying. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat each piece generously in the flour mixture. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. This crunchy exterior will become even more amazing once tossed in that luscious honey pepper sauce.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
Combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then mix cornstarch with water and whisk into the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thick and glossy. This sauce perfectly balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors to elevate the fried chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well and set aside. The pasta’s firm texture will hold up beautifully under the creamy cheese sauce and sauced chicken.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens. Once smooth, stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this sauce is where the magic of classic mac and cheese happens!
Step 6: Assemble Your Dish
Toss the fried chicken pieces gently in the honey pepper sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese on plates, then pile the sticky, flavorful honey pepper chicken on top for an irresistible meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. These garnishes add vibrant color and a mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A light dusting of extra cracked black pepper on top also invites a bold aroma before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrettes to balance the indulgence. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, offer a simple, healthy contrast without overpowering. You might also enjoy warm, crusty bread to help mop up any extra sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broiled until golden. You can also layer the ingredients in a casserole dish for a crowd-pleasing baked version with a bubbly, browned cheese crust on top. The possibilities to impress are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and mac and cheese in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and pasta separate in storage helps maintain the ideal texture for each.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, especially the mac and cheese component. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze chicken separately after letting it cool completely, then reheat gently to avoid drying out the crispy coating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a low-temperature oven at about 325°F (160°C) to warm through evenly without drying. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture. If using a microwave, add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese to keep it creamy and heat in short intervals, stirring between.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella create that classic creamy and stretchy texture, you can mix in gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a slight kick. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best result.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it will have that same tenderizing effect for the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe has a gentle peppery heat that balances with the sweetness of honey. It’s flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy—perfect for most palates, including kids who like a hint of spice.
Can I bake this dish instead of frying the chicken?
You sure can! To make it a bit lighter, bake the chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until crispy and cooked through. Then toss with the honey pepper sauce and serve over the mac and cheese.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk or water to reach your desired consistency without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want comfort food with a unique, vibrant twist. Every bite brings a joyous blend of crispy chicken, sweet heat, and cheesy goodness that makes your taste buds happy. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dinner that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served atop creamy, cheesy macaroni. With marinated chicken for tenderness and a homemade cheese sauce, it’s a comforting dinner that balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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
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
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 bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper to create the dredging mixture for the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer the mixture over medium heat to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid lumps.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the prepared honey pepper sauce until well coated. Serve the coated chicken atop the creamy mac and cheese.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize and prevent dryness during frying.
- Use fresh cracked black pepper for a more robust pepper flavor in the sauce.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy chicken without excessive oil absorption.
- The cheese sauce can be customized by using different cheeses depending on preference.
- This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is crispy and the mac and cheese is creamy and warm.
