Here’s a sweet and spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe that’s packed with creamy cheese, crispy chicken, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for dinner!
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip them in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat over low-medium heat until warmed and slightly thickened. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- Top with the honey pepper chicken and drizzle any extra sauce over the top.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar in the cheese sauce.
- Add crumbled bacon or sautéed onions for extra indulgence.
- To make it a baked dish, transfer the assembled mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil until golden brown.
Enjoy your creamy, sweet, and spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!