This ultimate comfort food brings together creamy mac and cheese with crispy, golden chicken smothered in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze. The result? A dish that’s bold, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is indulgence at its finest. Let’s dive into the magic behind this dish!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or your favorite blend)
1 cup whole milk (or 2% if preferred)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that signature crunch)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente (check the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, cooking until it forms a golden, bubbly paste (about 1-2 minutes). Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and lump-free. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Set this sweet-and-spicy sauce aside—it’s going to be the star of the dish!
4. Bread and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt. Coat each breast thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
5. Assemble the Dish
Plate a generous serving of mac and cheese. Slice the crispy chicken and layer it on top. Drizzle the honey pepper glaze generously over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Delicious Variations & Tips
Adjust the Heat: Love it spicy? Add more hot sauce or a pinch of red chili flakes. Prefer mild? Use a sweet BBQ sauce instead.
Switch the Cheese: Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a smoky Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for an extra layer of texture and nutrients.
Why You’ll Love It
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy. It’s decadent yet balanced, making it a dish everyone will come back for. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Now it’s your turn to bring this restaurant-quality recipe into your kitchen! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the magic of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.
