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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight combines crispy fried chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served atop a rich and cheesy macaroni base. This comforting dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, enhanced with garlic and onion powders for extra flavor, making it an indulgent family favorite perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Honey Pepper Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Honey Pepper Glaze

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Soak the bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
  2. Create the Dredging Mixture: Combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, mixing well to coat the chicken evenly.
  3. Heat the Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, large enough to shallow fry the chicken pieces.
  4. Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess coating to prevent clumping and ensure even frying.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, cooking about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to blend flavors and slightly thicken the glaze.
  7. Glaze the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm honey pepper glaze until evenly coated and glossy.
  8. Cook the Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  9. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux without browning.
  10. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth sauce.
  11. Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  12. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to balance the flavors.
  13. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until noodles are well coated.
  14. Assemble the Dish: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls or plates.
  15. Top with Glazed Chicken: Place honey pepper glazed chicken pieces on top of the mac and cheese.
  16. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of cracked black pepper before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Soaking the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize and adds moisture to the fried chicken.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes in the glaze for desired heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper in the glaze to enhance the peppery kick.
  • For crispier chicken, fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Leftover mac and cheese can be reheated gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • This dish can be customized with different cheese types like Monterey Jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Chicken Mac and Cheese, Honey Pepper Chicken, Fried Chicken, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Crispy Chicken, Honey Glaze

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/creamy-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-delight-recipe/