If you love the balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni recipe is a must-try at home. The crispy chicken is coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze, giving it the perfect kick, while the creamy macaroni adds a rich and comforting touch.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, storage tips, taste profile, and serving ideas so you can recreate this delicious dish at home.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all the ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Macaroni:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking
Before you start, gather these kitchen essentials:
- Mixing Bowls – For marinating chicken and preparing sauces.
- Deep Frying Pan – To fry the chicken to golden perfection.
- Whisk & Saucepan – For making the honey pepper glaze and cheese sauce.
- Large Pot – For boiling the macaroni.
- Tongs & Slotted Spoon – Helps with frying and draining excess oil.
Having these tools ready will make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Recipe
Follow the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious food item at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and milk together.
- Bowl 3: Add breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each piece into the flour mixture.
- Then dip into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Cook each piece for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Place fried chicken on a paper towel.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Chicken Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in honey, black pepper, chili flakes, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from Heat: Set aside until ready to coat the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Macaroni
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while stirring.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and mustard powder.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni and mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Coat the Chicken: Drizzle honey pepper sauce over the crispy chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Place the chicken on a plate with creamy macaroni on the side.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage and reheating will help maintain the delicious flavor and texture of your dish!
Refrigeration
- Store chicken and macaroni separately in airtight containers.
- Chicken stays fresh for up to 3 days, while macaroni lasts 4-5 days in the fridge.
Reheating
- Chicken: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Macaroni: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
What to Serve with This Dish?
This dish is versatile and delicious in many ways:
- Main Course: Serve as a complete meal with a side of steamed veggies.
- Game-Day Snack: Serve the honey pepper chicken as an appetizer with a ranch dip.
- Sandwich or Wrap: Use the glazed chicken in a sandwich with lettuce and cheese.
- Loaded Macaroni Bowl: Top your creamy macaroni with extra glazed chicken pieces.
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
Want to take your Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni to the next level? Follow these expert tips to make your dish extra delicious!
- Double-coat the chicken: For extra crunch, dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour twice.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It makes the chicken ultra crispy.
- Adjust the spice level: Reduce cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder glaze.
- Let the chicken rest: Resting for 2-3 minutes after frying helps retain crispiness.
Why This Recipe is So Popular?
This dish is the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, sweet, and creamy! The honey pepper glaze brings the ideal balance of sweetness and heat, making every bite irresistible. Paired with rich, cheesy macaroni, it’s a restaurant-style comfort meal you can easily make at home. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni is a winning combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. The crispy chicken, coated in a sticky honey-pepper glaze, pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy macaroni, making it a meal the whole family will enjoy.
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something delicious, this dish will not disappoint. Plus, you can customize the spice level and cheese choices to suit your taste.
Try Buffalo Wild Wings recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or with friends and family.
