Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken (Printable Version)
Velvety mac and cheese paired with honey-glazed pepper chicken delivers sweet, spicy, and creamy comfort in every bite.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Mac and Cheese
01 -
2 cups elbow macaroni
02 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 -
2 cups whole milk
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
07 -
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt, to taste
11 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Honey Pepper Chicken
12 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
13 -
1 cup buttermilk
14 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
15 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
17 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
18 -
Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Honey Pepper Glaze
19 -
1/3 cup honey
20 -
1 tablespoon soy sauce
21 -
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
22 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
# Guide to Cooking:
01 -
Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for a minimum of 20 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
02 -
Combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then fry until golden and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
03 -
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
04 -
Toss the crispy fried chicken in the prepared honey pepper glaze to evenly coat each piece.
05 -
Prepare elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
06 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Reduce heat and stir until sauce thickens. Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until completely melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
07 -
Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Portion into serving bowls, top with honey pepper glazed chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper if desired.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes to ensure tenderness and depth of flavor.