Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with this Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken dish served over creamy mac and cheese. Crispy chicken strips are coated in a delicious honey pepper sauce and paired with a rich and cheesy macaroni for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the honey pepper sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the mac and cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in warm milk. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the honey pepper sauce: Combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then set aside.
- Fry the chicken: Dredge chicken strips in seasoned flour and fry until golden and crispy.
- Coat chicken in sauce: Toss fried chicken in warm honey pepper sauce until coated.
- Serve: Serve chicken over creamy mac and cheese, garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the glaze.
- For a lighter option, bake chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg