If you’re looking for comfort food with a kick, look no further than Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese. Imagine bite-sized, crispy fried chicken drenched in a sweet and spicy honey-pepper sauce, nestled on top of the dreamiest, creamiest mac and cheese you can imagine. Every forkful is a satisfying reunion of bold flavors and velvety textures—all brought together in one unforgettable main dish.

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role—bringing crunch, heat, sweetness, or irresistible creaminess. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and how every element makes Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese so special.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces—perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce and for easy eating.
Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for achieving extra crispiness on the fried chicken.
Eggs: They help the cornstarch cling to the chicken, ensuring every piece gets that signature crunchy coating.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral and with a high smoke point, it’s ideal for deep-frying.
Honey: This adds natural sweetness to our sauce, balancing out the savory and spicy notes.
Soy Sauce: For that hit of umami flavor that ties the sauce together.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings brightness and a touch of tang to the honey pepper sauce.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These are where the heat comes in—add more or less for your ideal spice level.
Black Pepper: A little extra peppery punch complements the dish beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Savory depth without needing to wield a knife.
Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape, but feel free to swap in shells or rotini if that’s what you’ve got.
Butter: Sets the base for the cheese sauce, creating that rich, velvety finish.
All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the cheese sauce to just the right texture.
Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but you can use what you have on hand.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shreds effortlessly and delivers bold, tangy flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A little bit of salty, nutty parmesan ups the umami ante.
Salt: Adjust to taste—you’ll know when it’s just right.
Chopped Parsley or Green Onions (optional): For a pop of color and fresh, bright flavor to finish.

How to Make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by getting your pasta going: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. The little pasta tubes are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set it aside so it’s ready when your sauce is done.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the pasta drains, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about one minute—this cooks out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes). Next, stir in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese, watching the sauce turn deliciously smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and keep it warm over low heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Honey Pepper Sauce

This is where the magic happens. Combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes—just until it thickens a bit and all those flavors come together. The aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Chicken

Get your chicken ready for the fryer! Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch, dip them into the beaten eggs, then back into the cornstarch for an extra-crispy coating. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F and fry the chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Drain them well on paper towels so they stay super crunchy.

Step 5: Sauce the Chicken

Take those crispy bites of chicken and tumble them into the spicy honey pepper sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece with the sweet, sticky, fiery glaze. Now you’re getting to the best part!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of the creamy mac and cheese onto each plate, piling the saucy chicken pieces right on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some chopped parsley or green onions for a final flourish. And there you have it—the ultimate Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese, ready to steal the show at your dinner table.

How to Serve Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A finishing touch matters! Toss on some vibrant green parsley or snipped green onions over the top for a burst of freshness and color that really makes the plate pop. If you want a little added crunch, some fried shallots or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can bring the wow factor.

Side Dishes

While Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese truly stands alone, a simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to all that creamy richness. For something even more fun, roasted broccoli or blistered green beans bring just the right balance and a hint of smokiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring restaurant vibes home by scooping the macaroni into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, then arranging the glazed chicken on top for cute, single-serve portions. You can also serve the chicken and mac layered in a bowl, or skewer the saucy chicken bites and let everyone build their own mac and cheese bowls for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem! Simply store the chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator—this keeps the chicken as crisp as possible. Both will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze both elements, but for best texture, freeze the mac and cheese and chicken individually. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and eat within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a hot oven (400°F) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness, and gently warm the mac and cheese on the stovetop or in the microwave, splashing in a little milk if it needs to loosen up. Toss the chicken in a little fresh sauce if you made extra for that just-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese less spicy?

Absolutely! Just dial back the red pepper flakes in the sauce or leave them out entirely for a sweet, peppery glaze without the heat. You can always add more at the table if you want.

What’s the best way to save time on a weeknight?

If you’re in a rush, use store-bought fried chicken bites or even chicken nuggets, and just toss them in the homemade spicy honey pepper sauce. You’ll still get tons of flavor with virtually no extra work!

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While sharp cheddar and parmesan are classics, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for extra depth. Just make sure to stick to cheeses that melt smoothly for the silkiest results.

Is Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

With a few simple swaps, it can be! Use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free blend. Double-check that your cornstarch and soy sauce are gluten-free, and you’re all set.

Can I prep any part of the dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the mac and cheese and the spicy honey pepper sauce a day in advance, then simply fry the chicken fresh when you’re ready to eat. This way, all the flavors are ready to go and dinner comes together in a flash.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how exciting and cozy a homemade plate of Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese can be. It’s everything you want in a meal—comforting, fun, and bursting with flavor. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!

Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect comfort food with this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken served over creamy mac and cheese. The crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce pairs beautifully with the rich and cheesy pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
vegetable oil for frying
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

1/2 lb elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt.
Prepare the chicken: Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Cook until slightly thickened. Coat chicken in cornstarch, dip in eggs, then coat again in cornstarch. Fry until golden brown.
Coat the chicken: Toss fried chicken in the spicy honey pepper sauce.
Serve: Serve the chicken over the creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with parsley or green onions.