There was a night in late September—kids finishing homework around the table, my Dalmatian curled up by the oven, and the air just cool enough for socks and stories. I’d had a day. The kind that pulls on your spirit like a too-tight apron. We needed something warm. Cozy. Soul-fixing.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese was born that night.
This dish didn’t just feed us—it wrapped around our hearts. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s creamy, it’s got crunch. And it brings people together. That’s what food should do.
What Is Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich, comforting casserole-style dish made with tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, golden crisp chicken, and a sticky-sweet pepper glaze. It’s a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet heat—think elevated comfort food without the fuss.
You’ll recognize the flavor if you’ve ever tried the Applebee’s version. But this one? Homemade, no pork, and layered with real flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- It’s weeknight-friendly and weekend-worthy.
- A crowd-pleaser that doubles as a cozy dinner or game-day dish.
- No pork, no alcohol—just family-friendly, feel-good flavor.
- Freezer-safe, reheats beautifully.
- Kids love it. Adults sneak seconds.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Baking dish (9×13)
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2½ cups milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt to taste
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
1. Prep the Chicken
Marinate chicken cubes in buttermilk, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes. Dredge in flour-cornstarch mix seasoned with garlic powder.
Fry in hot oil until golden. Set on a paper towel.
2. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer on low until slightly thick. Toss fried chicken in sauce right before assembling.
3. Cook the Macaroni
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly add warm milk and cream. Whisk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese until melty and thick.
5. Assemble
Combine pasta and cheese sauce. Pour into greased baking dish. Top with honey pepper chicken. Sprinkle more cheese on top if desired.
6. Bake
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than bagged.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues cooking in the oven.
- Toss chicken in honey pepper sauce just before serving for max crisp.
- Add a dash of Dijon mustard or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Add a splash of milk and warm in oven or microwave until creamy again.
FAQs About Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just watch the cooking time so it doesn’t break down.
What protein swaps can I use?
Try beef bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the dish without baking, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?
It’s a gentle, warm heat. Perfect for kids. Add more flakes if you like it hotter.
Conclusion:
That first time I served this, my daughter licked the spoon and asked, “Can we have this every Friday?” Now, it’s our go-to comfort dish when we need warmth in our bellies and a little light in the week.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than a recipe—it’s a ritual. A reminder that even the hardest days can end in delicious ways.
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy chicken tossed in sweet honey pepper sauce meets creamy, baked mac and cheese in this comfort food classic.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2½ cups warm milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk with salt and pepper for 20 minutes.
- Dredge in a mix of flour, cornstarch, and garlic powder. Fry until golden. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and chili flakes. Simmer until thickened. Toss with fried chicken.
- Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make a roux with butter and flour. Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Stir until smooth.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella until melted and thick.
- Stir cooked pasta into cheese sauce. Pour into baking dish.
- Top with honey pepper chicken and extra cheese if desired.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, toss in honey pepper sauce just before serving. You can also make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, chicken mac recipe
