Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mac and Cheese
01 -
2 cups elbow macaroni
02 -
2 tablespoons 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 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)
# Instructions:
01 -
Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
02 -
In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 -
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Coat each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
04 -
In a small saucepan, add honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
05 -
Add fried chicken pieces to the glaze and toss until thoroughly coated.
06 -
Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
07 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Lower heat and add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
08 -
Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
09 -
Distribute mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each with glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
To ensure crispy chicken, do not overcrowd the frying pan and allow excess flour to fall off before frying.