Description
A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish topped with crispy honey pepper chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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