Description
A delicious and spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy fried chicken and a sweet hot honey glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets or tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (makes it extra crispy)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, enhances flavor)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust heat level)
- 1 tsp butter
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional for extra kick)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk + garlic powder + onion powder + paprika + salt + pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, and Dijon. Fold in pasta. Keep warm.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in flour mixture, pressing to coat. Fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) for 4–6 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Place on a wire rack to stay crisp.
- In a small saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes until smooth. Drizzle immediately over hot fried chicken.
- Scoop creamy mac & cheese into bowls. Slice chicken and place on top. Drizzle extra hot honey. Add a pinch of parsley for garnish (optional).
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to suit your heat preference.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg