Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining rich, cheesy pasta with crispy chicken coated in a sweet and peppery honey glaze. This indulgent dish delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying crunch in every bite, making it perfect for cozy dinners or special comfort meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken mac and cheese is creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced. The crispy honey pepper chicken adds incredible texture and flavor contrast to the smooth cheese sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and casual entertaining.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
For the Honey Pepper Chicken
For the Honey Pepper Glaze
2 cups elbow macaroni2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 cups whole milk1 cup heavy cream2 cups shredded cheddar cheese1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon onion powderSalt and pepper, to taste2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces1 cup buttermilk1 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepperVegetable oil, for frying1/3 cup honey1 tablespoon soy sauce1 teaspoon cracked black pepper1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.Toss the crispy chicken in the honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour for 1–2 minutes.Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.Spoon the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese into serving bowls and top with glazed chicken.Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
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 shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Chicken
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
For the Honey Pepper Glaze
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Toss the crispy chicken in the honey pepper glaze until evenly coated.
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
Spoon the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese into serving bowls and top with glazed chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Fry chicken in batches to keep it crispy.
Adjust pepper flakes to control heat level.
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying, Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Medium
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, Comfort Food
Notes
This dish is best served fresh while the chicken is crispy. For leftovers, store chicken and mac and cheese separately to maintain texture.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Calories: 720
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 40 g
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spiced, but heat can be adjusted by changing the pepper amount.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Similar Recipes
Crispy Chicken Alfredo
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Conclusion
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers everything you want in a comfort food dinner — rich cheese sauce, crispy glazed chicken, and bold flavor in every bite. It’s satisfying, indulgent, and perfect for treating yourself or feeding a hungry crowd.