Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Print Format)
Creamy mac and cheese crowned with crispy honey pepper chicken for sweet and spicy comfort.
# 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:
01 -
Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize.
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.
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.
04 -
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.
05 -
Prepare elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
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:
01 -
For optimal crispiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken and do not overcrowd the pan.