Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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Comfort food gets a golden upgrade in this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. Imagine tender pasta swirled in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce, then crowned with crispy honey-glazed pepper chicken bites. Each forkful offers a creamy warmth and a sweet-spicy punch that makes this dish anything but ordinary.

Perfect for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or indulgent lunch breaks, this mac and cheese brings out the best of bold flavor and creamy comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe strikes that irresistible balance between savory, sweet, and spicy.

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Ingredients for this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the mixture and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, cracked pepper, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently until just bubbling, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until fully melted and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Top with crispy chicken and drizzle generously with honey pepper sauce. Optionally, garnish with cracked black pepper or herbs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?

It’s mildly spicy, thanks to cracked black pepper. You can adjust the spice by increasing or reducing the pepper.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

What cheese alternatives can I use?

Try gouda, gruyère, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate. Add chicken and sauce just before serving.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce separating, but the chicken alone freezes well.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A light green salad or steamed broccoli balances the richness beautifully.

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