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Top-down view of creamy elbow macaroni in orange cheddar sauce topped with golden honey-glazed chicken strips and green scallions. (Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese)

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Comfort Food

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese features crispy breaded fried chicken coated in a shimmering honey pepper glaze, served over creamy, vibrant orange cheddar elbow macaroni. A perfect sweet and spicy comfort meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 845
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Glaze
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breast strips 680g
  • 1 cup Buttermilk 240ml
  • 1.5 cups All-purpose flour 180g
  • 1/2 cup Honey 120ml
  • 1 tsp Cracked black pepper 2g
  • 1/2 tsp Red chili flakes 1g
Mac and Cheese
  • 1 lb Elbow macaroni 450g
  • 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese 340g, shredded
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter 56g
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour 30g
  • 2 cups Whole milk 480ml
  • 1/4 cup Green scallions 25g, sliced

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Large Skillet For frying chicken
  • 1 Saucepan For cheese sauce

Method
 

Chicken Preparation
  1. Dredge chicken strips in seasoned flour, dip in buttermilk, and dredge again in flour for a craggy texture.
  2. Fry in 375°F (190°C) oil until golden-brown and crispy, roughly 5-6 minutes.
The Sauce and Glaze
  1. Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk slowly, then stir in shredded cheddar until a thick, vibrant orange sauce forms.
  2. Simmer honey, pepper, and chili flakes until shimmering. Toss fried chicken in the glaze until heavily coated.
Final Assembly
  1. Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Top with glazed chicken and sliced scallions.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melt.
Apply glaze while chicken is piping hot to ensure it sticks and shimmers.