Introduction to Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a meal that pleases everyone. That’s why I’m excited to share my creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese recipe with you! This dish is not just a comforting classic; it’s a delightful twist that combines the richness of creamy cheese with the sweet and spicy notes of honey-glazed chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this recipe will surely impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is a lifesaver for busy nights. It’s quick to prepare, taking just about an hour from start to finish. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, with the sweetness of honey balancing the savory chicken and rich cheese. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients for Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Elbow macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, these little pasta shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Butter: Adds richness to the cheese sauce, making it velvety and smooth.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce, giving it that perfect creamy texture.
- Whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Heavy cream: This is the secret to achieving a luxurious, rich sauce that coats every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! It brings that classic cheesy flavor we all love.
- mozzarella cheese: Adds a stretchy, gooey texture that makes the dish even more indulgent.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for flavor, it adds a subtle depth to the cheese sauce.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these staples bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein in this dish, they soak up the honey pepper glaze beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk makes it tender and flavorful.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a lovely color to the chicken coating.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken, it helps achieve that crispy texture.
- Honey: The star of the glaze, it brings sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cracked black pepper: For a bit of heat and texture in the glaze.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, these can be added to the glaze for extra spice.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Soak the Chicken
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk is a game changer. It tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. Just let those pieces soak for at least 20 minutes. If you have time, soaking overnight will make it even better. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple blend creates a flavorful coating for the chicken. Make sure to whisk it well so that every piece of chicken gets an even layer of deliciousness. It’s the secret to that crispy texture!
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Dredge the soaked chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures they fry evenly. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer this mixture over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This glaze is what elevates the dish, adding a sweet and spicy kick that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
While the chicken is frying, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain it well afterward. This step is crucial because excess water can make your creamy cheese sauce watery. We want that rich, thick texture!
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once it thickens, stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. This is where the magic happens—creamy, cheesy goodness!
Step 7: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Then, spoon the mac and cheese into serving bowls and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken. It’s a beautiful sight, and I promise it tastes even better!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight.
- Don’t rush the frying process; let the chicken get crispy for the best texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce; pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents.
- Feel free to add veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: For boiling the macaroni. A Dutch oven works great too!
- Frying pan: Essential for frying the chicken. A cast-iron skillet adds extra flavor.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the cheese sauce. A fork can work in a pinch!
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements. A kitchen scale is handy too.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing the chicken coating and mixing ingredients.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious meatless version.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat elbow macaroni for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the cheese sauce for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the dish beautifully.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper for a pop of color.
FAQs about Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I make this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese and the chicken separately, then combine them just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or potlucks.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne or shells work wonderfully too, just ensure they can hold onto that creamy sauce!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! If you use gluten-free pasta and flour, this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese can easily be made gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with those we love. This creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is a perfect example of that. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it brings everyone together around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. So grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and let the deliciousness unfold. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese will amaze you!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish featuring honey pepper glazed chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side). Place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Toss crispy chicken in the glaze to coat evenly.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls.
- Top with honey pepper glazed chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper (optional).
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk overnight.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
