Irresistible Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

this Recipe

If there’s one thing I can’t keep to myself, it’s a comfort food recipe that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, creamy, and totally indulgent. Thank you for being here, because this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese might just become your new weeknight obsession. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a warm hug—and yes, it’s just as soul-satisfying as it sounds!

Before we dive into this gooey, golden, flavor-packed masterpiece, don’t forget to subscribe to get this recipe straight to your inbox, along with more cozy, crave-worthy meals each week!

What Is Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese?

Imagine juicy chicken tenders glazed in a sticky, slightly spicy honey pepper sauce—crackly at the edges, yet tender inside—served over a bed of ultra-creamy mac and cheese. That’s this recipe in a nutshell. It’s the ultimate blend of savory, spicy, and sweet, with buttery cheese sauce blanketing pasta and spicy-sweet chicken giving it a punch of bold flavor.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This isn’t your everyday chicken and mac combo. Here’s why this dish is anything but boring:

• Dual textures and flavors: Crunchy chicken meets creamy mac—need I say more?
• A full flavor experience: Sweet honey, fiery pepper, and rich cheese come together like magic.
• Perfect for a crowd: Make it for Sunday dinner or impress guests at your next casual gathering.
• Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable: From heat level to cheese blend—there’s room to make it your own!

What Does It Taste Like?

Think spicy-sweet wings colliding with the best mac and cheese you’ve ever had. The chicken has a crispy edge and sticky glaze with a sweet heat, while the mac is luxuriously smooth, with hints of cheddar and a touch of garlic. When you get a bite of both together? Game over.

Benefits of Making This Dish

Besides being totally delicious, this recipe:

• Satisfies both comfort food and spicy cravings
• Packs protein and calcium
• Is kid-friendly (just adjust the spice level)
• Comes together in under an hour

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Baking tray with wire rack (optional)
• Tongs

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Want to mix things up? Here are some easy changes:

• Chicken thighs instead of tenders for extra juiciness
• Add bacon bits to the mac for extra smoky flavor
• Use pepper jack for a spicier mac
• Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for dietary needs
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness

How to Make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Soak chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for ultra-tender meat).

Step 2: Prep and Fry the Chicken
Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Drain on a rack or paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes more.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper glaze until well coated.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Make Cheese Sauce
Boil pasta until al dente. In a separate saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Add cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Plate a generous scoop of mac and cheese, top with glazed chicken, and drizzle a little extra sauce for good measure. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

What to Serve with Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but if you’re building a full plate:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans for balance
• A simple side salad with citrus vinaigrette
• Buttermilk biscuits or garlic bread
• Sweet tea or a crisp lemonade to mellow the spice

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Creamy Mac

• Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade—it keeps the chicken juicy!
• For an ultra-crispy crust, double dredge the chicken.
• Stir cheese in off the heat to prevent graininess.
• Taste as you go—adjust spice and seasoning to your liking.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The chicken (unglazed) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze fresh.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for best texture. Mac and cheese can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

FAQ

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also air-fry it at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes.

How spicy is the glaze?
It’s a medium heat. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to make it milder or hotter.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can! Just heat it up and toss it in the glaze. Though fresh-fried gives the best crunch.

Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes in the glaze for a milder version.

Why You’ll Make This Again (and Again)

This recipe is everything you want in a hearty meal: comforting, a little adventurous, and incredibly satisfying. The spicy honey glaze is addictive, and that creamy mac? It’s the ultimate cozy pairing. Honestly, I’m kicking myself for not having made a double batch the first time!

Looking for more dishes that blend comfort and crave-worthy flavor? You’ll also love:

• Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – The Creamy, Dreamy Dinner That’ll Win Hearts
• Loaded Butterscotch Cheesecake
• Coconut Curry Baked Cod

Share the Love!

Tried it? I’d absolutely love to see your version! Leave a review and share your dish on Pinterest by tagging @RecipeDune—you might just get featured in our community round-up!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 58g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 780mg

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