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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines crispy honey glazed chicken with rich homemade cheese sauce and tender macaroni.
This easy comfort food recipe is perfect for family dinners.
Ready in under one hour with simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American Comfort Food

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Pepper Glaze

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Place the chicken pieces in buttermilk and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy.
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, coat each piece in the flour mixture, and shake off any excess flour.
  • Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes while stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
  • Toss the crispy chicken into the glaze until evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Mac and Cheese

  • Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
  • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking until smooth.
  • Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  • Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir well. This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese becomes extra rich and velvety at this stage.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Spoon the mac and cheese into serving bowls.
  • Top with the honey pepper glazed chicken.
  • Garnish with parsley or extra cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

  • Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder flavor.
  • Add crispy turkey ham bits for extra savory flavor.
  • Serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
  • A drizzle of extra honey adds a sweeter finish.