Description
This Irresistible Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of sweet heat and creamy comfort. Crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze is served over rich, cheesy macaroni for a restaurant-style meal made at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch or flour
- Oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with cornstarch or flour.
- Fry chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss fried chicken in the honey pepper glaze until well coated.
- Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Serve glazed chicken over mac and cheese. Spoon extra sauce on top if desired.
Notes
- Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes for a lighter option.
- Add hot sauce or sriracha to glaze for extra heat.
- Enhance mac and cheese with bacon, jalapeños, or smoked paprika.
- Reheat chicken in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Stir a splash of milk into reheated mac and cheese for creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
