Description

Crispy glazed chicken over a bed of velvety mac and cheese—this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food fusion. Sweet, savory, and cheesy with just the right kick, it’s a dish you’ll come back to all year long.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bites

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Olive oil or cooking spray for frying

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook macaroni until al dente (7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Simmer until slightly thickened.

3. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

4. Coat chicken bites with a mix of flour and cornstarch. Air fry or deep fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

5. In a small saucepan, combine honey, cracked black pepper, and soy sauce. Simmer until thickened slightly. Toss the fried chicken in the glaze until coated.

6. Spoon mac and cheese into bowls. Top with honey pepper chicken. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, let coated pieces rest 5 minutes before frying.

Add a splash of milk to loosen the cheese sauce when reheating.

Swap chicken with crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop + Air Fryer/Frying
Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 620
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 810mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food