Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 12 breaded chicken tenders (store-bought or homemade); 1/3 cup honey; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Craving the ultimate comfort food with a fiery-sweet twist? This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese takes your classic mac and cheese to the next level with crispy chicken strips glazed in a sticky honey pepper sauce. Creamy, cheesy, and boldly flavorful—this is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a full-on food celebration.

Every bite offers something special: the buttery richness of cheddar mac, the crunch of breaded chicken, and a glossy drizzle of sweet heat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying your own cheesy cravings, this fusion of Southern comfort and bold BBQ flavors brings the heat and the hug.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To craft this rich and crispy delight, having the right tools is just as important as the ingredients themselves:

Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: Essential for making the creamy cheese sauce without scorching. A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly.
Medium Pot: For boiling macaroni to al dente perfection.
Whisk: Necessary for ensuring a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
Air Fryer or Oven: To cook the chicken tenders until golden and crispy. Air fryers give you that crisp texture with less oil.
Baking Tray (if oven-baking): Lined with parchment, it’s great for baking and easy cleanup.
Tongs: For tossing chicken in honey pepper glaze without breaking the crispy coating.

Prepping these tools in advance ensures a streamlined cooking experience, especially when juggling melty cheese and sizzling chicken at once.

Ingredients for the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that cradles every bit of cheese sauce. It cooks quickly and clings to sauce beautifully.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and a bold, tangy edge to the creamy base.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that extra gooey stretch and a subtle milky balance.
Whole Milk: Creates a smooth and luscious sauce without being too heavy.
Butter & All-Purpose Flour: Forms the roux, the essential base for a velvety cheese sauce.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Seasoning essentials for flavor depth.
Breaded Chicken Tenders: Store-bought or homemade, these offer the satisfying crunch you need on top.
Honey & Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Combined to make a sticky-sweet and spicy glaze that perfectly coats the chicken.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A fresh herb finish for contrast and color.

How To Make the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Use your air fryer or bake the chicken tenders until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 12–15 minutes in an air fryer or 20 minutes in a 400°F oven.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

In a small saucepan, heat honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Once warm and slightly thickened, toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey pepper glaze using tongs.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into a bowl or platter. Top with glazed chicken tenders. Drizzle extra glaze on top and sprinkle with chopped herbs if using.

Serving and Storing This Bold Comfort Classic

Serve this dish hot and fresh, ideally straight after assembling so the crispy chicken retains its crunch against the creamy pasta. It’s best enjoyed as a main course but also makes a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, use the oven or air fryer for the chicken and stovetop or microwave for the mac and cheese. Avoid combining them until after warming to preserve texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the honey pepper glaze?

It has a mild to medium kick depending on how many red pepper flakes you use. You can adjust the heat to your preference.

Can I use different cheese blends?

Absolutely. Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Pepper Jack for more bite. Just keep the base ratio of cheese to milk consistent.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prep the mac and cheese and chicken separately. Assemble and glaze just before serving for best results.

What sides go well with this dish?

A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli balances the richness. You can also serve it with cornbread or garlic knots.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of breaded?

Definitely. Grilled chicken offers a lighter option while still soaking up that honey pepper flavor.

Want More Cheesy Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If cheesy comfort food is your love language, you’ll want to explore these dishes too:

You might also love the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a similar comfort-meets-crunch experience.

Or try the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe if you crave heat layered into every bite.

The Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is great for make-ahead convenience and weeknight wins.

Also, don’t miss the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy, flavor-packed option that’s been reader-loved for a reason.

Even the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce could be swapped with chicken and still hit the spot.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you give this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese a go, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add extra heat? Did you use air fryer chicken or homemade? Drop a comment below—I’m always inspired by how you make it yours.

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