Description
A delicious and creamy twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring honey pepper chicken for a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the glaze.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and top with the fried chicken. Drizzle with the honey pepper glaze before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses based on your preference.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg