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Velvety Mac Cheese Topped

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This dish combines tender chicken pieces soaked in buttermilk, then fried to a golden crisp and coated in a sweet and peppery honey glaze. The mac and cheese is crafted with a creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella, enriched by buttery roux and gentle seasoning. The result is a comforting plate balancing velvety cheese with the lively sweetness and heat from the glazed chicken. Ideal for a moderate challenge, this meal serves four and takes about 50 minutes to prepare.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:23:03 GMT
A bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac. Save
A bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac. | lilicooks.com

This honey pepper chicken mac is a soothing blend of creamy mac and cheese paired with crispy chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. It’s perfect when you want comfort food with a little kick and a touch of elegance on your dinner table. The velvety cheese sauce combined with crunchy honey-glazed chicken pieces keeps everyone coming back for more.

When I first made this recipe, it became an instant favorite in my household. The contrast between the creamy mac and the crisp, flavorful chicken made this dish an absolute winner every time I served it.

Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni: classic pasta shape that holds the cheese sauce beautifully
  • Butter and all-purpose flour: the base for a smooth, rich roux that thickens the cheese sauce
  • Whole milk and heavy cream: provide creaminess and body to the sauce go for fresh, full-fat dairy if possible
  • Cheddar cheese: sharp and flavorful, the main component of the cheese sauce use quality aged cheddar
  • Mozzarella cheese: adds stretch and gooey texture for the perfect cheese pull
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: bring depth and subtle savory notes without overpowering the cheese
  • Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning
  • Chicken breasts: tender, lean, and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces fresh is best
  • Buttermilk: tenderizes the chicken and adds richness to the coating
  • Flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper: creates a flavorful crispy crust on the chicken
  • Vegetable oil: ideal for frying choose an oil with a high smoke point
  • Honey and soy sauce: combine for a sweet umami glaze that perfectly complements the pepper
  • Cracked black pepper and optional red pepper flakes: add heat and texture to the glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak the Chicken:
Place bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. This tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture, ensuring juicy bites inside the crispy coating.
Prepare the Flour Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully during frying.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dredge the soaked chicken pieces thoroughly in the flour mixture and shake off the excess to prevent clumps. Fry the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Simmer gently over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring often to create a sticky glaze. Toss the fried chicken in this glaze until all pieces are well coated.
Cook the Macaroni:
Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside while you finish the cheese sauce.
Create the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and then whisk in flour. Keep whisking for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, which will give a richer flavor. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Spoon the creamy cheesy pasta into serving bowls and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra cracked black pepper for added freshness and a pop of color.
A bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac. Save
A bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is the honey pepper glaze. The balance between the sweet honey and the heat from cracked black pepper turns this dish into something quite memorable. One cozy night, I made this after a long day and watching everyone’s faces light up as they tasted it reminded me why comfort food is all about sharing happiness and warmth.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover mac and cheese and glazed chicken in separate airtight containers in the fridge to maintain the best texture. When reheating, warm the mac gently on low heat adding a splash of milk if needed. Reheat the chicken in the oven to preserve crispiness. This keeps the dish tasting fresh even the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find buttermilk, a mix of regular milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works well to tenderize the chicken. You can substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or provolone cheese for a similar melting quality. Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a lighter version. For a lower sodium option, reduce soy sauce and replace part of it with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans with a squeeze of lemon brightens the plate. For a fun twist, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top of the mac and cheese before adding the chicken for extra crunch.

Cultural Context

Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food with roots tracing back to European cheese pasta dishes. Adding crispy fried chicken glazed with honey and pepper spices provides a Southern-inspired sweet and spicy flair, creating a fusion that brings different traditions happily together on the plate.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve crispy chicken in this dish?

Soaking chicken in buttermilk tenderizes it, while coating with seasoned flour before frying ensures a golden, crispy crust.

→ What cheeses work best for the mac and cheese base?

Combining sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella creates a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.

→ Can the honey pepper glaze be adjusted for heat?

Yes, adding or reducing red pepper flakes allows you to control the spice level to your preference.

→ What's the best way to cook elbow macaroni for this dish?

Boil until al dente according to package instructions, then drain well to prevent a watery sauce.

→ How can I keep the mac and cheese creamy without it becoming clumpy?

Slowly whisking in milk and cream into the butter-flour roux and stirring continuously helps maintain a smooth cheese sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese sauce and glaze in advance, but frying the chicken fresh ensures maximum crispness.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

Creamy mac and cheese crowned with crispy honey pepper chicken for sweet and spicy comfort.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves (4 portions)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Mac and Cheese

01 2 cups elbow macaroni
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 2 cups whole milk
05 1 cup heavy cream
06 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Honey Pepper Chicken

11 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 1 cup buttermilk
13 1 cup all-purpose flour
14 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
17 Vegetable oil for frying

→ Honey Pepper Glaze

18 1/3 cup honey
19 1 tablespoon soy sauce
20 1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
21 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Step 03

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until glaze thickens slightly.

Step 04

Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.

Step 05

Prepare elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 06

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until completely melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 07

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Divide mac and cheese into serving bowls and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper.

Tips

  1. For optimal crispiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken and do not overcrowd the pan.

Required Tools

  • Saucepan
  • Frying pan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and soy. Check ingredient labels for potential allergens.