Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ 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
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Honey Pepper Chicken
11 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 -
1 cup buttermilk
13 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
14 -
1 teaspoon paprika
15 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
17 -
Vegetable oil for frying
→ Honey Pepper Glaze
18 -
1/3 cup honey
19 -
1 tablespoon soy sauce
20 -
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
21 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 -
Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
02 -
Combine the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, mixing thoroughly.
03 -
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
04 -
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until well combined.
05 -
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm honey pepper glaze, ensuring even coating.
06 -
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
07 -
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
08 -
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
09 -
Portion the mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top with the honey pepper glazed chicken. Garnish optionally with fresh parsley or additional cracked black pepper.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk enhances tenderness and flavor absorption.