Name: Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Vegetable oil (for frying); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/3 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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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.

Notes

Use gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor.
Swap chicken with tofu or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy finish.
Use different pasta shapes like penne or cavatappi for texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 820
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 145mg