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Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with crispy chicken.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

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

    This dish is best served fresh while the chicken is crispy. For leftovers, store chicken and mac and cheese separately to maintain texture.