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A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with golden fried chicken nuggets coated in a glossy honey pepper glaze.
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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 920kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless , skinless chicken breasts, 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup all -purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs , beaten
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup hone y
  • 1/4 cup low -sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all -purpose flour (for roux)
  • 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • High -smoke point oil for frying

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, paprika, and salt. Dredge chicken cubes in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and dredge again in flour for a double coating.
  • Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cracked black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the glaze coats the back of a spoon. Toss fried chicken in the glaze.
  • In a large heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 2 minutes without browning.
  • Slowly temper the roux by whisking in milk 1/2 cup at a time until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  • Reduce heat to low. Gradually fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely emulsified and smooth.
  • Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly incorporated.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately, topped with a generous portion of the glazed honey pepper chicken.