If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a sweet-hot twist, look no further than Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. This dish brings together everything you crave in a hearty meal: crispy, honey pepper-glazed chicken piled atop velvety macaroni smothered in cheese sauce. One of the best parts is when you get to mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce — that magic moment when noodles and cheesy goodness become inseparable. Every bite delivers a luscious blend of flavors, making it a beloved favorite at any table.

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about feel-good simplicity, relying on classic pantry staples that each bring something special to the table. From rich dairy to spices and that irresistible honey glaze, every ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect taste and texture.

Elbow macaroni: The classic noodle shape that captures loads of creamy sauce in every bite.
Butter: Adds richness and is the base for your roux, building the cheese sauce’s silky texture.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce into that perfect, clingy consistency.
Whole milk: Keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy, balancing out the richness.
Heavy cream: Introduces an extra layer of luxury and silkiness to the cheese sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The main cheesy star, delivering bold flavor and an inviting color.
Mozzarella cheese: For meltiness and a subtle creamy note that blends perfectly with the cheddar.
Garlic powder: A touch of warmth that deepens the overall flavor of the dish.
Onion powder: Adds another flavor dimension that elevates the cheese sauce.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning everything just right, from sauce to chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for juicy, bite-sized crispy chicken pieces.
Buttermilk: Tenders up the chicken and lets the coating stick beautifully.
Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the chicken’s crisp exterior.
Vegetable oil: For quick, even frying that results in a golden crunch.
Honey: Creates that shiny, sticky glaze that coats your crispy chicken with sweetness.
Soy sauce: Brings balance and a little umami to the honey glaze.
Cracked black pepper: Packs a peppery kick and stands out in both glaze and garnish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little extra heat alongside the sweetness.

How to Make Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Step 1: Soak the Chicken

Start by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes. This step isn’t just about flavor — it’s the secret to getting those juicy, tender bites once fried. The buttermilk works its magic as you prep the other ingredients, making this step effortless yet essential.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

While the chicken marinates, whisk together flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. When ready, dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This layer is what turns golden and crisp in the pan, so coat them well!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully add the floured chicken pieces and fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully golden and crispy. Once they’re cooked through, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to rest — this keeps them crunchy while you work on the next steps.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

For the glaze, gently simmer honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and (if you love a little burn) red pepper flakes in a small saucepan for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently — the aroma alone is worth it! Once combined, toss the hot, crispy chicken pieces until they’re lacquered in the sticky, savory-sweet glaze.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. While the noodles bubble away, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking steadily to avoid lumps. Once smooth, lower the heat and sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until it all melts into pure cheese bliss. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

This step is where the dish truly shines: mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated, glossy, and downright irresistible. The cheese clings to every curve, making it impossible to resist a taste before you even serve it up!

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the cheesy pasta into bowls. Pile the honey pepper glazed chicken on top, letting the glaze drip down into the creamy noodles. For a final flourish, sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra cracked pepper if you like. Now, dig in!

How to Serve Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Garnishes

Add a shower of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness, or a little extra cracked black pepper to bring out the bold flavors. Crumbled bacon or pickled jalapeños can add a fun, salty or spicy twist to each serving.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli for extra greens. Warm, crusty bread on the side is never a bad idea for those who want to mop up any leftover cheese sauce from their bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning the mac and cheese into small ramekins and topping each with a few chicken bites — perfect for parties or game day snacks. Or, serve in a large, family-style casserole, with the mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce piled high and chicken arranged on top for a showstopping dinner centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let everything cool, then store the chicken and the mac and cheese separately in airtight containers. The cheese sauce tends to thicken as it sits, so keep that in mind for reheating. Aim to enjoy leftovers within 3 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

The chicken can be frozen after frying or glazing; freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. The macaroni and cheese can be frozen, too, but for best results, make sure to mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce before freezing in a tightly sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat the mac and cheese with a splash of milk over gentle heat, stirring until smooth. The chicken is best reheated in the oven or air fryer to recapture its crispiness. Avoid microwaving the chicken if you want to keep that satisfying crunch!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce like a champ, shells, cavatappi, or penne all work nicely — just make sure to mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce (or your chosen noodle) for that signature creaminess.

How spicy is the honey pepper glaze?

The glaze delivers a nice peppery warmth, and you can easily adjust the heat by adding or omitting the red pepper flakes. If you prefer things mild, simply leave them out and let the black pepper shine.

What’s the secret to ultra-creamy cheese sauce?

It’s all about the combination of whole milk and heavy cream, plus patience while whisking! Adding the cheese a little at a time and mixing until melted ensures your sauce stays lump-free and decadent before you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken and making the cheese sauce. You’ll still get the same melty satisfaction when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Is there a way to lighten up the dish?

For a lighter version, use light cream or all milk instead of heavy cream, and bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying. You can even add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas before you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce for extra freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the moment you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and watch this comforting creation come together. Each forkful offers an explosion of creamy, sweet, spicy, and savory notes, making this mac and cheese truly unforgettable. Give it a try — your taste buds (and friends or family!) will thank you.

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight recipe. A decadent blend of creamy cheese sauce, crispy honey pepper chicken, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this dish is a flavor explosion that will satisfy all your cravings.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side). Place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Toss crispy chicken in the glaze to coat evenly.
Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Dish: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls.
Top with honey pepper glazed chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper (optional).

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze.
Feel free to customize the cheese blend with your favorite cheeses.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before tossing in the glaze.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 725 kcal
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Creamy, Mac and Cheese, Chicken, Honey Pepper, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe