Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Print-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheesy Pasta
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 for taste
→ Pepper Honey Chicken
11 -
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small 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 to fry
→ Sweet 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 if you like heat
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Put chicken pieces in buttermilk and let them sit for at least 20 minutes so they get tender and taste better.
02 -
In a bowl, stir together flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper until all mixed well.
03 -
Warm vegetable oil in a pan on medium. Coat chicken in flour mix and shake off extra. Cook chicken in oil until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes each side. Move to paper towels to drain.
04 -
Put honey, soy sauce, cracked pepper, and red flakes in a small pot. Heat on low for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until mixed well.
05 -
Toss fried chicken in the warm honey pepper sauce so every piece is covered.
06 -
Cook elbow macaroni following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
07 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a smooth base. Slowly add whole milk and heavy cream while stirring until it’s creamy and starts to thicken. Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
08 -
Gently stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated well.
09 -
Divide mac and cheese into bowls. Top with the honey pepper chicken. Add fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper if you want.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Soaking chicken in buttermilk helps make it soft and tasty.