Print

Irresistible Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

This irresistible Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo—crispy, sweet-heat glazed chicken tenders over rich, creamy homemade mac and cheese. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish full of bold flavor, perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or impressing at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

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 black 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 whole milk

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken strips with buttermilk. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).

  • Bread and Fry Chicken: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until coated. Heat oil and fry chicken until golden and cooked through (4–5 minutes per side). Set aside on a wire rack or paper towels.

  • Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. Optional: Add cornstarch slurry to thicken.

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

  • Make the Mac and Cheese: Cook pasta to al dente. In another saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

 

  • Serve: Spoon mac and cheese onto plates and top with glazed chicken. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired and garnish with parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Want a milder version? Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

  • For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken before frying.

  • Stir cheese in off the heat to avoid grainy sauce.

  • Chicken can be baked or air-fried as a lighter option.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy honey chicken, mac and cheese, honey pepper chicken, comfort food, fried chicken pasta

Find it online: https://recipedune.com/irresistible-spicy-honey-pepper-chicken-with-mac-and-cheese/