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, making it a satisfying meal for family dinners or special occasions.
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 mac and cheese pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Bread the chicken: Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then egg, then the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Slice into strips.
- Prepare the honey pepper glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze the chicken: Toss the sliced fried chicken in the warm honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the cheeses and seasoning: Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni gently into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well-coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy mac and cheese and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, grill the chicken instead of frying.
- Using freshly grated cheese improves the smoothness and flavor of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
