Honey Pepper Chicken Delight

This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese combines two comfort food favorites into one extraordinary dish. The rich, velvety cheese sauce perfectly complements the sweet and spicy glazed chicken, creating a flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special.

I created this recipe when my kids were going through a picky eating phase. The familiar mac and cheese base with the flavorful chicken on top became our compromise meal that everyone looked forward to each week.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

• Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly in its curves.
• Butter and flour: Creates the essential roux base for a silky, smooth cheese sauce.
• Whole milk and heavy cream: The combination creates the perfect creamy texture without being too rich or too thin.
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Cheddar provides flavor while mozzarella adds that perfect melty stretch factor.
• Garlic and onion powder: Adds depth without overwhelming the dish with chunks of aromatics.

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

• Chicken breasts: Juicy white meat that crisps beautifully and carries the glaze perfectly.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere.
• Flour and seasonings: Creates a flavorful coating that turns golden and crispy when fried.

For the Honey Pepper Glaze

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps the glaze cling to the chicken.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Cracked black pepper: Provides distinct pops of heat throughout the glaze.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds another dimension of spiciness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Step 1:

Soak your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes. This acid bath not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat by breaking down proteins. For even better results, marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness.

Prepare the Coating

Step 2:

Mix your flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This seasoned flour creates a flavorful crust that will stay crispy even after being tossed in the glaze. Make sure to mix thoroughly so every bit of chicken gets even seasoning.

Fry the Chicken

Step 3:

Heat about half an inch of oil in a heavy bottomed pan until shimmering but not smoking. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Create the Glaze

Step 4:

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off easily.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Step 5:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foamy. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty. This roux is the foundation of your cheese sauce, so take your time here. Gradually pour in milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Add the Cheese

Step 6:

Remove the sauce from heat and add your shredded cheeses gradually, stirring between additions until completely melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be velvety smooth and coat a spoon thickly without being gloppy.

Assemble the Dish

Step 7:

Fold your cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is evenly coated. Toss your fried chicken pieces in the warm honey pepper glaze until thoroughly coated. Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and top with the glazed chicken pieces.

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The honey pepper glaze is what truly makes this dish special. I discovered this combination years ago at a local diner that served honey pepper wings, and I've been experimenting with it ever since. My family now requests this glaze on everything from chicken to roasted vegetables.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How can I achieve crispy chicken?

Ensure the chicken is properly coated in the flour mixture and fried in oil that's hot enough (around 350°F). Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use cheeses like Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor of the mac and cheese.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

→ Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare and fry the chicken in advance, but for the best texture, glaze it in the honey pepper sauce just before serving.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is ideal, but you can substitute with shells or penne for similar results.