Description
Craving something cozy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is your ultimate go-to for quick dinner ideas or comfort food cravings. Creamy macaroni drenched in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with golden, crispy chicken tossed in a sweet-and-spicy honey pepper glaze—this is more than just another easy recipe; it’s an unforgettable food experience. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a hearty dish that wows!
Ingredients
225g elbow macaroni
2 large chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1.5 cups breadcrumbs
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux)
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Season diced chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
5. In a saucepan, combine honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat gently to infuse flavors. Pour glaze over fried chicken and toss well.
6. In another saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
7. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Add cheddar and mozzarella; stir until melted and smooth.
8. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
9. Transfer cheesy pasta to a serving dish. Top with glazed honey pepper chicken.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra crunch, bake the breaded chicken in the oven after frying for 5 minutes.
Use a mix of cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for more flavor variety.
A splash of hot sauce in the glaze can turn up the heat if you like it spicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg