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
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
