Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines crispy fried chicken, a creamy three-cheese pasta, and a sweet-spicy honey pepper glaze. Perfect for comfort food lovers, this dish is rich, indulgent, and bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk (optional, for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz (225g) spiral pasta (rotini or cavatappi)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk (optional). Coat in seasoned flour and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: Simmer honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne until thickened.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil spiral pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, and stir in cream and cheeses until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat. Add crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Glaze the Chicken: Dip fried chicken into the honey pepper sauce to coat.
- Assemble: Serve mac and cheese topped with glazed chicken. Garnish with remaining bacon and fresh basil.
Notes
- Healthier Option: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
- Pasta Variations: Substitute rotini with penne or fusilli.
- Adjust Spice: Add more cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American