Description
Golden, cheesy, and dripping with sweet heat, this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas, a filling lunch, or a soul-satisfying weekend meal, this easy recipe delivers both creamy richness and bold flavor. Velvety macaroni and cheese is elevated with juicy, crispy chicken chunks glazed in a sweet honey pepper sauce — a balance of comfort and excitement in every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners, food ideas for gatherings, or indulgent comfort cravings, this dish checks every box for flavor, texture, and wow-factor.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or in tenders
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup flour
Oil for frying
Garnish:
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Extra cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, black pepper, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Bread the chicken: Coat in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in panko.
- Fry the chicken in hot oil until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to create a roux.
- Slowly add warm milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Plate mac and cheese, top with crispy chicken, and drizzle honey pepper glaze.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and extra pepper before serving.