Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If comfort food had a bold, modern upgrade, this would be it. Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken paired with ultra-creamy mac and cheese delivers everything you crave in one satisfying plate. Crispy chicken coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze meets rich, velvety cheddar mac for a dinner that feels indulgent yet completely doable at home. Perfect for family dinners, weekend treats, or when you want a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen, this recipe balances heat, sweetness, crunch, and creaminess in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: flour in the first, eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
2. Bread the Chicken
   Coat each piece in flour, dip into eggs, then press into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
3. Fry Until Crispy
   Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to paper towels.
4. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
   In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy. Keep warm.
5. Cook the Pasta
   Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
   Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
7. Add the Cheese
   Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and ground mustard.
8. Combine the Mac and Cheese
   Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
9. Assemble & Serve
   Plate the mac and cheese alongside crispy chicken. Drizzle generously with honey pepper glaze and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Fry chicken in small batches to maintain crispiness
• Shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce
• Keep glaze warm so it coats evenly

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy
• Restaurant-quality comfort food at home
• Family-friendly with customizable heat
• Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions

Substitutions & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby
• Make it extra spicy with cayenne or hot honey
• Bake chicken at 400°F for a lighter option

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-Ahead: Prep glaze and cheese sauce a day early
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Reheating Chicken: Oven at 375°F for 10 minutes
• Reheating Mac: Stovetop with a splash of milk

Serving Ideas

• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Add roasted broccoli or green beans
• Garnish with parsley or chives
• Serve with extra glaze on the side

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~600
• Protein: ~34g
• Carbohydrates: ~48g
• Fat: ~30g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs add extra moisture and flavor.

How do I make the mac and cheese extra creamy?

Use whole milk and freshly shredded cheese.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It’s mild to medium; spice levels are easy to adjust.

Can this be baked instead of fried?

Absolutely—bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese is comfort food done right. Crispy, saucy chicken paired with rich, cheesy pasta creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Crispy honey pepper chicken with creamy mac and cheese delivers the ultimate sweet, spicy, and comforting homemade dinner experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Honey Pepper Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or hot sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp ground mustard (optional)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken

  Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: flour in the first, eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
• Bread the Chicken

  Coat each piece in flour, dip into eggs, then press into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
• Fry Until Crispy

  Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to paper towels.
• Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

  In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy. Keep warm.
• Cook the Pasta

  Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
• Add the Cheese

  Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and ground mustard.
• Combine the Mac and Cheese

  Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
• Assemble & Serve

  Plate the mac and cheese alongside crispy chicken. Drizzle generously with honey pepper glaze and serve immediately.

Notes

• Adjust glaze heat to your preference
• Freshly shredded cheese melts best
• Serve immediately for maximum texture and flavor

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?