Description
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight—a crave-worthy combination of crispy chicken bites glazed in sweet honey and cracked black pepper, nestled on a bed of rich, creamy mac and cheese. This easy dinner recipe is a dream for weeknights, comfort food cravings, or when you need fresh dinner ideas that impress. With bold flavor and satisfying textures, it’s everything you love about home-cooked meals in one irresistible bowl. Perfect for anyone looking for food ideas that feel indulgent but are surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
Chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken chunks in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Bring salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thick.
4. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in pasta.
5. Prepare a dredging station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and an empty plate. Coat marinated chicken in flour, then eggs, then flour again.
6. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
7. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and flakes. Simmer, add cornstarch slurry, and cook until slightly thickened.
8. Serve mac and cheese in bowls, top with crispy chicken, drizzle with honey pepper glaze, and garnish with parsley or chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese to avoid clumping and achieve ultra-creamy texture.
Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
Reheat mac and cheese with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 47
- Saturated Fat: 21
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 67
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 170
Keywords: easy dinner, mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, food ideas, quick dinner