Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combination, pairing bold, flavorful chicken with rich, velvety mac and cheese. Here’s how to make this crowd-pleasing dish:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, warmed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Chicken:
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
3. Make the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine:
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve:
- Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese and top with the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
Tips for Success:
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken in breadcrumbs.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the mac and cheese for even more richness.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your spice preference.
Enjoy your perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness! 😋