Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! This dish combines the comfort of creamy mac and cheese with the sweet and spicy flavors of honey-glazed chicken. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug. The crunch of the chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

How to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (optional)
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Set up a breading station with three bowls for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
2. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain the chicken on paper towels.
4. In a small saucepan, warm the honey and black pepper. Toss the fried chicken in this glaze and set aside.
5. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
6. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened.
7. Add the cheeses to the roux and stir until smooth. Season with salt.
8. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
9. Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls or a serving dish, then top with the honey pepper chicken. Serve warm.

How to Serve Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Serve this dish hot, right out of the oven or stovetop. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How to Store Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you find the mac and cheese is a little dry after reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

• For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper based on your spice preference.
• If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the mac and cheese and the chicken separately. Combine them just before serving.
• Feel free to mix in some veggies, like spinach or broccoli, into the mac and cheese for added nutrition.

Variations

You can customize this dish by adding various ingredients. For a smoky flavor, try adding cooked bacon or smoked cheese. If you want a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as shells or penne.

Is it possible to make this dish without frying the chicken?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat it in the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then place it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the mac and cheese and chicken separately. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

A comforting dish that combines creamy mac and cheese with honey-glazed chicken, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko Panko recommended for extra crunch.
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (optional)
• Salt to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Set up a breading station with three bowls for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
2. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
2. Drain the chicken on paper towels.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the honey and black pepper. Toss the fried chicken in this glaze and set aside.

Cooking the Mac and Cheese

1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened.
4. Add the cheeses to the roux and stir until smooth. Season with salt.
5. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serving

1. Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls or a serving dish, then top with the honey pepper chicken. Serve warm.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider mixing in some veggies like spinach or broccoli. This dish can be served with fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for added flavor.