Description
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy honey pepper glazed chicken with rich, creamy homemade mac and cheese. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness, perfect for a family dinner or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Pepper Glaze
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken breading: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
- Make the honey pepper glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Glaze the chicken: Toss the sliced chicken strips in the honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Add the cheeses and seasonings: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy mac and cheese and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.
Notes
- Grill the chicken instead of frying for a lighter option.
- Freshly grated cheese creates the smoothest sauce.
- Garnish with parsley for extra freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
