Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a decadent combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze, served over a bed of creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist that adds bold flavor and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together two favorites: golden-fried chicken and ultra-creamy mac and cheese. The honey pepper glaze adds just the right kick of sweet heat, making every bite exciting. It’s comforting, hearty, and layered with rich flavor, perfect for both casual family meals and impressing guests.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the mac and cheese:

elbow macaroni
butter
all-purpose flour
whole milk
heavy cream
shredded cheddar cheese
mozzarella cheese
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper

For the honey pepper chicken:

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
buttermilk
all-purpose flour
paprika
salt
black pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)

For the honey pepper glaze:

honey
soy sauce
cracked black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare the chicken
I start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Then I mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. After dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour, I fry them in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, I drain them on paper towels.
Make the glaze
In a saucepan, I combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I bring it to a simmer until slightly thickened, then toss the fried chicken in the glaze until evenly coated.
Make the mac and cheese
While the chicken is cooking, I boil the macaroni until tender and set it aside. I melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk and cream. Once the sauce thickens, I stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth. I season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and mix in the cooked pasta.
Assemble the dish
I serve the creamy mac and cheese in bowls, topped with the glazed chicken. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or parsley on top adds a nice finish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes use gouda or Monterey Jack cheese to change up the flavor.
For a vegetarian twist, I swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower.
To make it spicier, I add extra red pepper flakes to the glaze.
I like to top the assembled dish with breadcrumbs and bake it for 10–15 minutes for a crispy topping.
I’ve also used different pasta shapes like penne or cavatappi for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I use the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
I avoid freezing it because the cheese sauce can separate after thawing.

FAQs

How can I make this dish healthier?

I like to bake the chicken instead of frying and use low-fat milk and cheese to reduce calories.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, I often make the cheese sauce and chicken glaze ahead and refrigerate them. I reheat gently before combining with the pasta and chicken.

What other pasta can I use?

I sometimes use cavatappi or penne because they hold the cheese sauce well and add a fun twist.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I replace the chicken with roasted veggies or tofu and skip the glaze or use a plant-based alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double all the ingredients to feed a larger group, making sure I have a big enough pot and pan to handle the extra portions.

Conclusion

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is everything I crave in a comfort dish—rich, creamy pasta paired with crunchy, flavorful chicken and a sweet-spicy glaze. It’s satisfying, customizable, and always a hit whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with others.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight combines crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet-spicy glaze with rich, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Instructions

Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Toss the fried chicken in the glaze until evenly coated.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
Serve the mac and cheese in bowls, topped with glazed chicken and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or parsley.