If you are searching for the ultimate comfort dish that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, look no further than this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bowl. The crunchy chicken tossed in a tantalizing honey pepper glaze sits atop a luscious bed of macaroni and cheese that’s rich, melty, and utterly satisfying. This dish elevates traditional mac and cheese into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a serious food hug.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right balance of flavors and textures starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to this dish. From the juicy chicken to the melty cheese and that punchy honey pepper sauce, every component plays a vital role in creating the magic.

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and versatile, these make the perfect protein base for the dish.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang while tenderizing the chicken for extra juiciness.
1 cup flour: Creates the crispy coating for the chicken when fried.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce to bring out rich flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the coating mix.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfectly golden crust.
1/4 cup honey: Sweetness that balances the pepper’s punch in the sauce.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings a savory umami kick to the honey pepper sauce.
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper: The star spice that delivers bold heat and texture.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to lift and brighten the sauce flavors.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce into a glossy glaze.
1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and adjust sauce consistency.
8 oz elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce effortlessly.
2 tablespoons butter: Forms the base for the rich cheese sauce.
2 tablespoons flour (for roux): Thickens the sauce and gives it that silky smooth texture.
2 cups milk: Creamy liquid that transforms the roux into luscious cheese sauce.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, providing classic mac and cheese flavor.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra gooey stretch and mild creaminess.
Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning to perfect the mac and cheese.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving the chicken that irresistible tenderness and flavor boost by marinating it in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. The acidity of the buttermilk gently breaks down the proteins, ensuring every bite of chicken is juicy and soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is soaking up that buttermilk goodness, mix together flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This simple combination will form the crispy crust you crave when frying the chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet until shimmering hot. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating them evenly, and fry until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil while keeping the crispness intact.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Let it simmer gently over medium heat to meld the flavors into a sweet, spicy glaze that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. In just a few minutes, the sauce will thicken to a glossy perfection—perfect for coating your crispy chicken.

Step 6: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ready to be enveloped in cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook this mixture for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cooking until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in the cooked macaroni.

Step 8: Assemble the Dish

Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in the honey pepper sauce, ensuring each bite is coated with that glossy, tangy glaze. Serve the chicken atop a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that make this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that beautifully contrasts the rich cheese and savory chicken. For a little extra kick, consider a light dusting of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the honey pepper sauce’s warmth.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to offer a refreshing balance. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans also provide a nutritious crunch that complements the creamy mac and cheese without overpowering the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a more elegant meal at home, serve this dish in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets straight from the oven. You can add a final drizzle of honey pepper sauce on top to make every bite visually appealing and deeply flavorful. For casual get-togethers, pile the mac and cheese on a large platter, topping it with the glazed chicken for a shareable feast everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When saving leftovers, transfer the mac and cheese and chicken separately into airtight containers to maintain texture and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Storing separately prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well when packaged properly. Place both components in freezer-safe containers or bags, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat the mac and cheese gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore creaminess, and warm the chicken in the oven or microwave. If the pasta seems dry, a splash of milk or a pat of butter will refresh the sauce beautifully. Re-coat the chicken lightly with leftover honey pepper sauce for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce nicely, you can swap in shells, penne, or rotini for a different texture or look. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken and making the roux. Also, be sure to pick gluten-free pasta and soy sauce to keep all the flavors intact without gluten.

Can I prepare the honey pepper sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing it with the chicken to preserve its glossy texture and vibrant flavor.

How spicy is this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?

The cracked black pepper gives the dish a noticeable but pleasant heat, balanced by the sweetness of honey. If you prefer more or less spice, simply adjust the amount of pepper to your taste.

What if I don’t have buttermilk to marinate the chicken?

You can quickly make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it to marinate the chicken—it’s a fantastic trick that works just as well!

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is pure comfort on a plate with just the right balance of sweet, spicy, crispy, and creamy. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again because it delivers so much flavor and satisfaction with every bite. I truly encourage you to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you for it!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 49 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served atop creamy, cheesy macaroni. A delightful fusion of comfort food and bold flavors perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying

Honey Pepper Sauce

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Mac and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper to create the dredging mixture.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture to coat completely. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat to blend flavors.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens smoothly. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Assemble the Dish: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the prepared honey pepper sauce to coat them evenly. Serve the sauced chicken on top of the creamy mac and cheese for a deliciously balanced meal.

Notes

Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve crispy chicken without absorbing excess oil.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more intense and aromatic sauce.
You can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like shells or penne if preferred.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey pepper sauce.
Allow the cheese sauce to thicken fully before mixing with macaroni for a creamier texture.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American