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–+ servings
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese That Comforts

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines rich cheese with sweet and savory flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken can substitute with shrimp or tofu
  • 1 cup Buttermilk can use plain yogurt as a substitute
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour for coating
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika can enhance flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil for frying, can use canola or peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons Honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce can swap with tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon Cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes to adjust spice level
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 8 ounces Elbow macaroni or other pasta shapes
  • 2 tablespoons Butter for richness
  • 2 tablespoons Flour for thickening
  • 1 cup Milk whole milk preferred
  • 1 cup Heavy cream for creamy sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese for flavor
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese for melting
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder or fresh onion
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • medium bowl
  • Saucepan
  • large pot

Method
 

Steps
  1. Soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side.
  4. In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes and simmer.
  5. Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper glaze until coated.
  6. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente.
  7. In another saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and heavy cream.
  8. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  9. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and serve topped with glazed chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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