If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that offers both creamy richness and a fiery-sweet kick, look no further than this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. In this recipe, you’ll start with perfectly fried, honey pepper-glazed chicken—crunchy outside, juicy inside—resting on a bed of ultra-luscious macaroni and cheese. The secret to bringing it all together is simple: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce for a heavenly dish that balances savory, sweet, and just the right amount of heat.

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in how classic, everyday ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal. Each component plays a key role in delivering an explosion of taste and texture—the crispy chicken, rich cheese sauce, and vibrant spices marry together in every bite!

Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic shape that hugs cheese sauce in every nook and cranny.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and starts the roux for that velvety sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, plus 1 cup for chicken): Thickens the cheese sauce and creates the crispy chicken coating.
Whole milk (2 cups): Provides creaminess and helps blend the cheeses smoothly.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its decadent, silky texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Brings sharp, classic flavor and intoxicating color.
Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for stretch and extra creaminess.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle aromatic warmth to the sauce.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances depth without overpowering.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balance.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-sized pieces): The perfect protein to anchor all those flavors.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses the coating with subtle smokiness and color.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Crisps the chicken without overpowering the flavors.
Honey (1/3 cup): The heart of that sticky-sweet glaze.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a savory note to balance the honey.
Cracked black pepper (1 teaspoon, plus extra for garnish): Adds the signature bite.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who crave a little more heat.

How to Make Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Step 1: Soak the Chicken

Start by placing your bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful, and ensures the coating clings beautifully once you’re ready to fry. If you have extra time, a longer soak never hurts!

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken’s marinating, mix one cup of flour with paprika, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow bowl. This is where the chicken gets its crunch—so go ahead and whisk well to evenly distribute those spices. You’ll be amazed at how much this simple blend packs in terms of flavor and color.

Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, fry them in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, until every piece turns golden, crispy, and irresistible. Let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate as you finish the rest.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

Combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and (if you’re feeling daring) red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring often, just until the glaze simmers and thickens slightly – about 2–3 minutes. Toss your hot, crispy chicken in this glossy glaze to coat each piece with that sweet-spicy magic.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Boil your elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until perfectly al dente; drain well. The pasta should have a bit of bite, so it holds up once you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in two tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute or so to get rid of any raw flavor. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until the mixture becomes smooth and stretchy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper—taste and adjust as needed. Now for the truly rewarding part: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is enveloped in molten, creamy goodness.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon generous helpings of mac and cheese into bowls, pile the honey pepper glazed chicken on top, and stand back for a moment to admire your creation! The blend of textures—crispy, creamy, tender—is absolutely out of this world. Don’t forget that signature step: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce so each bite is as dreamy as the last.

How to Serve Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra cracked black pepper brings freshness and color to the dish. For extra pizazz, top with a few more red pepper flakes to invite a hint of heat to every bite. If you want the cheese pull of your dreams, shave a bit more mozzarella over the top while it’s hot—a little indulgence never hurts!

Side Dishes

Balance out the creamy richness by pairing this mac and cheese with a simple side salad of crisp greens or steamed broccoli. A tangy slaw or vinegary pickles also cut through the sweetness and spice, making every forkful feel new and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping meal, serve Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce in individual ramekins, then top with glazed chicken and broil for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, lay everything family-style in a big, beautiful baking dish—everybody will love digging into the melty, cheesy depths!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), spoon the Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce into an airtight container, and keep the glazed chicken in a separate container. They’ll stay fresh in your fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese and chicken separately. Let everything cool first, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The cheesy macaroni will keep up to two months, as will the chicken, though for best results, consider reheating in the oven to restore crispiness.

Reheating

Reheat the Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. To re-crisp the chicken, pop it in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to drizzle on any extra honey pepper glaze before serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and best for holding onto the cheese sauce, you can also use shells, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente before you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar or mozzarella?

Feel free to get creative—try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a little smoked Gouda for a unique twist. Whatever you choose, make sure it melts well for the perfect consistency when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Can I bake the assembled dish?

You sure can! Pour everything into a casserole, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. This turns the Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

How do I make it less spicy?

Just leave out the red pepper flakes from the glaze, and reduce the cracked black pepper if you have especially sensitive taste buds. You’ll still get the sweet-and-savory magic when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and glaze the chicken.

What’s the best way to prep this for a dinner party?

Prepare the glazed chicken and mac and cheese ahead of time, but keep them separate. Reheat and assemble right before serving, topping with extra sauce and garnishes for the freshest Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce experience your guests will remember.

Final Thoughts

You’re in for a crowd-pleasing treat with this dish—there’s just something about that moment you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce that brings smiles to every table. I can’t wait for you to try this creamy, spicy, impossibly craveable dinner for yourself. Gather your favorite people, serve it up hot, and enjoy every spectacular bite!