Introduction to Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
Welcome to my kitchen, where comfort food reigns supreme! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress your loved ones. Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta topped with crispy, honey-glazed chicken that dances on your taste buds. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that brings joy to any table. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a game-changer for your dinner routine! It’s quick to whip up, taking just an hour from start to finish. The combination of creamy cheese and crispy chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy and impress!
Ingredients for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, these are the stars of the dish. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy frying.
- Buttermilk: This magical ingredient helps marinate the chicken, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. If you don’t have buttermilk, a splash of lemon juice in regular milk works just fine!
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for coating the chicken, giving it that crispy texture we all love.
- Cornstarch: This helps create an extra crispy coating. It’s a secret weapon in frying!
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper add depth and a kick of flavor. Adjust the cayenne to suit your spice tolerance.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but necessary for seasoning the chicken and the mac & cheese.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for frying the chicken.
- Honey: This sweetener is the star of the glaze, balancing the heat from the spices beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little extra heat, these can be adjusted to your liking.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy note to the glaze, brightening up the flavors.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Optional, but if you prefer a thicker glaze, this is the way to go!
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni or cavatappi works best for holding onto that creamy cheese sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness to the cheese sauce, making it velvety smooth.
- Flour: Used to create a roux for the cheese sauce, helping it thicken beautifully.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These two create the creamy base of the mac & cheese. Warm them up for the best results!
- Cheddar, Mozzarella, & Parmesan: A trio of cheeses that brings flavor and creaminess to the dish. Sharp cheddar is a must for that classic mac & cheese taste!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial! The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
While the chicken is soaking, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This blend will create a crispy coating.
Once the chicken is ready, dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Heat oil in a frying pan to 175°C (350°F) and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes.
If you like your glaze thicker, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the glaze and cook until it becomes glossy and thick. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference.
Step 3: Make the Mac & Cheese Base
While the chicken is frying, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
Now, add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious cheese sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spoon the creamy mac & cheese into bowls. Top generously with the crispy honey pepper chicken. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken for an extra kick of flavor.
For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Your Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is now ready to impress!
Tips for Success
- Always marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness.
- Use warm milk and cream for a smoother cheese sauce.
- Don’t rush the frying process; let the chicken get golden brown for the best crunch.
- Adjust the spice level in the glaze to suit your taste buds.
- For a creamier mac & cheese, add a splash more heavy cream if needed.
Equipment Needed
- Frying Pan: A large skillet works well for frying the chicken.
- Large Pot: Essential for cooking the pasta and making the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the roux and cheese sauce smoothly.
- Measuring Cups: Handy for precise ingredient measurements.
- Slotted Spoon: Great for removing the chicken from the oil.
Variations of Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy fried tofu or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious meatless version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the cheese sauce for a fragrant touch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting touch.
- Drink Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
- Presentation: Serve in colorful bowls and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
FAQs about Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
Can I make this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac & cheese and the chicken separately, then combine them just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, a simple mix of regular milk with a squeeze of lemon juice will work perfectly. Just let it sit for a few minutes before using.
How can I adjust the spice level in the honey pepper glaze?
To control the heat, simply add more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use milder peppers or omit them entirely for a sweeter glaze.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, cavatappi or even penne would work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s a pasta that holds sauce well.
Is this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy cheese and crispy chicken are usually a hit with kids. Just keep an eye on the spice level in the glaze to ensure it’s kid-friendly!
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. The joy of watching loved ones savor each bite, their faces lighting up with delight, is truly priceless. This dish combines comfort and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious rewards that come from your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe Revealed!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish topped with crispy honey pepper chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a squeeze of lemon)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickness)
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shake off excess. Fry in hot oil (175°C / 350°F) until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the honey pepper glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, and vinegar. Simmer 2–3 minutes. If you prefer thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy. Toss fried chicken bites in glaze until coated.
- Make the mac & cheese base: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside. In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened. Add cheeses, stir until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cooked pasta until fully coated.
- Assemble: Spoon mac & cheese into serving bowls. Top generously with honey pepper chicken. Drizzle extra glaze over top. Garnish with parsley and more red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level of the honey pepper sauce according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with fried tofu or vegetables.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
