Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

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There’s something magical about creamy, cheesy macaroni topped with crispy, sweet-and-spicy chicken. I first whipped up this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese on a night when I couldn’t decide between comfort food and something with a bit of a kick. The result? A crave-worthy dinner that hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy all in one glorious bite.

The gooey mac and cheese acts as the perfect bed for the golden, crunchy chicken, drenched in sticky honey pepper glaze. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll keep coming back to it.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

This dish brings bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a balance of creamy cheese sauce and crispy fried chicken, topped with a sweet heat from the honey pepper glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you just want to indulge in something satisfying and rich. Kids love it, adults crave it, and everyone wants seconds.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

I prefer using boneless chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into strips. They cook evenly and get super crispy when breaded and fried or air-fried. You could also use frozen crispy chicken strips in a pinch—just toss them in the honey pepper glaze before serving.

Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, rotini, or cavatappi all work well.
• Glaze: Don’t have honey? Maple syrup works as a backup with a similar sweetness.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cracked pepper or add red pepper flakes to customize the heat.
• Chicken: Go meatless with crispy tofu or cauliflower bites for a vegetarian version.

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Ingredients for this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Chicken Tenders or Breasts: Sliced into strips, they provide the crispy, protein-packed topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken to help the breading stick.
• Eggs: Used to bind the flour and breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
• Breadcrumbs or Panko: Gives the chicken that irresistible crunch.
• Honey: The base of the glaze, adding sweetness and stickiness.
• Coarse Black Pepper: Brings the heat and spice to balance the honey.
• Butter: Used in both the glaze and cheese sauce for richness.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that iconic cheesy flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to both the mac and the chicken.
• Salt: To season the pasta water, chicken, and sauce.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh contrast.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Bread the Chicken

Slice chicken into strips. Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour seasoned with garlic powder and salt, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko. Dip chicken into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a deep skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1/3 cup honey and 1–2 teaspoons of coarse black pepper. Stir until it bubbles slightly and thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Turn off heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In another saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk or heavy cream. Let it simmer until slightly thickened. Add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and stir until smooth. Season with salt and garlic powder to taste.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

Plate the creamy mac and cheese in bowls. Top generously with crispy chicken strips. Drizzle with warm honey pepper glaze and garnish with chopped fresh herbs.

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How Long to Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

Prep Time: Prepping everything from scratch takes about 20–25 minutes. That includes cooking the pasta, setting up your chicken breading station, and getting your ingredients ready for both sauces.

Cooking Time: From frying the chicken to melting down that creamy cheese sauce and simmering the honey pepper glaze, cooking takes around 25–30 minutes. Everything comes together quickly once each component is prepped.

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Tips for Perfect Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded.
• Let the fried chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to keep it crispy.
• Warm the glaze right before drizzling to make sure it coats the chicken evenly.
• Salt your pasta water—it’s your first chance to flavor the macaroni.
• Don’t overcook the pasta since it’ll soak up the cheese sauce and soften further.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the dredge steps: Don’t rush the chicken coating; skipping a step makes it fall apart while frying.
• Using cold cheese: It won’t melt smoothly. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before adding.
• High heat frying: Too hot and the coating burns before the chicken cooks through.
• Over-thickening the sauce: A sauce that’s too thick won’t coat the pasta nicely—add a splash of milk if it tightens up.
• Not tasting as you go: From the glaze to the sauce, check seasoning at every stage.

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What to Serve With Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese?

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread balances the creamy richness and gives the meal a satisfying crunch.

2. Simple Green Salad

A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette brings a crisp, acidic contrast.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy veggie component and some charred flavor that complements the sweet glaze.

4. Sweet Corn on the Cob

The natural sweetness and crunch go beautifully with the peppery honey chicken.

5. Iced Tea or Lemonade

A cold, crisp drink pairs well with the spice and creaminess.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and mac separate if possible to retain texture.

Reheating: Warm the mac and cheese in a saucepan with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to crisp it up before adding the glaze again.

Freezing: Not ideal due to the dairy in the cheese sauce—it can separate when thawed. But the chicken (unglazed) can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated later.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 690
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 11g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen chicken?

Yes! Heat it up and toss it in the glaze. It’s a great shortcut for busy nights.

How spicy is the honey pepper glaze?

It has a mild kick. If you want more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

What’s the best cheese blend for the sauce?

A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives great melt and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead—just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

What’s a good gluten-free alternative?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and make sure your flour is GF-certified.

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Conclusion

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese is a flavor-packed twist on a beloved classic. Creamy, cheesy pasta paired with crispy chicken and drizzled in sweet-spicy glaze—it’s comfort food taken to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on taste and texture. Save it, share it, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.

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