Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Macaroni and Cheese
01 -
2 cups elbow macaroni
02 -
2 tablespoons butter
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 -
2 cups whole milk
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 -
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
08 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
Salt, to taste
11 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Honey Pepper Chicken
12 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
13 -
1 cup buttermilk
14 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
15 -
1 teaspoon paprika
16 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
17 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
18 -
Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Honey Pepper Glaze
19 -
1/3 cup honey
20 -
1 tablespoon soy sauce
21 -
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
22 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
03 -
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
04 -
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
05 -
Toss the fried chicken in the warm honey pepper glaze until all pieces are evenly coated.
06 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
07 -
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until smooth and melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
08 -
Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
09 -
Spoon macaroni and cheese into serving bowls. Top with honey pepper glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper, if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra crunch, ensure chicken pieces are well-drained on paper towels before tossing in the glaze.
02 -
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melting in the sauce.