What is the secret to creamy mac and cheese?

The key is in the roux, a cooked mix of butter and flour, followed by warm milk and heavy cream. Add the cheese slowly on low heat and whisk until smooth. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and avoid high heat, which can break the sauce.

How to make mac n cheese sauce more creamy?

Start with whole milk and heavy cream for a richer base. Add cream cheese or a splash of evaporated milk for an extra velvety finish. Stir constantly and use a mix of cheeses that melt well, like cheddar and mozzarella.

Does creamy pepper sauce go with chicken?

Yes, absolutely. Pepper adds boldness and balances rich or creamy sauces beautifully. When paired with crispy fried chicken, like in creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, it creates a perfect contrast that keeps the dish exciting.

Can I put honey in my mac and cheese?

Yes. A drizzle of honey adds sweet contrast to the salty, cheesy sauce. In this dish, honey is blended into a glaze with soy sauce and black pepper, giving the chicken a sticky coating that complements the creamy pasta underneath.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Description

Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo with crispy chicken, a sweet-spicy glaze, and rich cheesy pasta.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

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

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

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

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Heat oil over medium heat.
Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shake off excess.
Fry until golden brown, 4–5 mins per side. Drain.

2. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:

In saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 mins.
Toss crispy chicken in glaze.

3. Cook the Macaroni and Cheese sauce:

Cook macaroni per package, drain and set aside.
In pan, melt butter. Whisk in flour for 1–2 mins.
Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until thick.
Stir in cheeses, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the dish:

Mix macaroni into cheese sauce.
Top bowls of mac and cheese with glazed chicken.
Garnish with parsley or extra pepper.

Notes

Best served immediately. You can fry the chicken and make the glaze ahead of time for quicker prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop, Frying
Cuisine: American