Go Back
A top-down angled shot of a white ceramic bowl filled with creamy orange macaroni and cheese topped with sliced breaded chicken in a glossy honey pepper glaze. (Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese)

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese features creamy elbow pasta in a vibrant orange cheddar sauce topped with crispy fried chicken and a glossy, dark amber honey pepper glaze for the perfect sweet-heat bite.
Print Recipe Pin for Later
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crispy Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast strips boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (120g)
  • 1 cup neutral oil for frying
Honey Pepper Glaze
  • 0.5 cup honey (170g)
  • 2 tsp cracked black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Mac and Cheese
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (454g)
  • 4 cups sharp orange cheddar (450g) freshly shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 0.25 cup flour for roux

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet For frying chicken
  • 1 Large pot For pasta and cheese sauce
  • 1 Small saucepan For the glaze

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Dredge chicken strips in flour, dip in eggs, and coat in panko.
  2. Fry in hot oil until golden-brown and crispy. Set aside on a rack.
Make the Glaze and Mac
  1. Simmer honey, pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar until glossy and dark amber.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni to al dente; drain.
  3. Make a roux with butter and flour, add milk/cream, then melt in cheddar for a thick sauce.
Final Assembly
  1. Mix pasta with cheese sauce. Top with chicken strips and drizzle glaze.
  2. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper and fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheddar for the smoothest sauce.
Simmer the glaze until it reaches a translucent amber sheen to ensure it sticks to the chicken.