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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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An exciting twist on classic mac and cheese, combining honey-glazed chicken with creamy pasta for a sweet, spicy, and cheesy dish.

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes (or overnight).
  2. Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Dredge the chicken pieces from the buttermilk into this dry mix.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F and fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in honey, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes and toss the fried chicken in the glaze.
  5. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to make a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened.
  8. Stir in cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add cooked pasta and toss it to coat in the cheese sauce.
  10. Serve mac and cheese topped with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Marinating chicken in buttermilk overnight enhances flavor and tenderness. Adjust spiciness by varying crushed red pepper. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.

  • Author: nevaeh-hall
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying, Boiling, Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://www.nevaehrecipes.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-delight/