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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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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