Description
A deliciously creamy and spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy honey pepper chicken bites.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- For the Mac & Cheese:
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Coat chicken pieces in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and roll in seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken bites in the glaze.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Season with mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Top with honey pepper chicken bites.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parsley.
Notes
- Adjust the level of hot sauce in the glaze to suit your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg