Some recipes are good, but then there are dishes like Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese that make you rethink everything. This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a full-blown experience. Sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy—every bite is pure magic. It’s what Sunday dinner recipes dream of becoming.
Imagine crispy chicken tenders glazed in a sticky honey pepper sauce, piled high on ultra-creamy mac and cheese. The contrast of flavors and textures makes it one of the most satisfying chicken main dishes you’ll ever try. Plus, it’s way easier to make than it sounds, meaning you get restaurant-quality comfort food right in your own kitchen.
What Makes This Dish So Addictive?
We’re not just talking about plain old mac and cheese. This dish is loaded with bold flavors that make it unforgettable:
- Crispy Chicken: The crunch from the fried (or baked) chicken is the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Honey Pepper Glaze: A rich blend of honey, black pepper, and a touch of heat that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Velvety Cheese Sauce: A dreamy, smooth blend of cheeses that hugs every bite of pasta.
- Bacon: Because everything is better with crispy bacon bits mixed in.
This dish has it all. Whether you need a quick dinner idea or want to impress guests, this one never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cozy dinner comes together with simple pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- Honey – The star ingredient that brings sweetness.
- Black Pepper – Adds a little kick.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the sweetness with tang.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but recommended for spice.
- Garlic Powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
For the Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow Macaroni – Classic choice, but shells work too.
- Butter & Heavy Cream – For a rich, silky cheese sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar & Mozzarella – The perfect meltability.
- Parmesan – Adds depth and a touch of saltiness.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Tenders – Homemade or store-bought.
- Flour & Cornstarch – For extra crispy breading.
- Egg & Milk – Helps the breading stick.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – For that extra crunch.
Don’t forget the bacon, because why not?
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Mac and cheese is only as good as its pasta, so don’t overcook it into mush.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, black pepper, vinegar, and garlic powder over medium heat. Simmer until slightly thickened. If you want a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes—trust me, it’s worth it.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Dredge your chicken tenders in flour, dip them in egg wash, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, or bake them for a healthier option. Once done, toss them in that sticky honey pepper glaze.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in heavy cream, then slowly add the cheeses. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Don’t rush—low and slow gives you the best texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Stir cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, then mix in crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Serve hot, topped with honey pepper chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Want crispier chicken? Use cornstarch in your breading. It creates that extra-crunchy texture.
- Cheese clumping in the sauce? Add a little evaporated milk for a silky finish.
- Short on time? Use frozen chicken tenders to speed up prep.
- Spice it up! Add cayenne or hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze for extra heat.
Looking for more chicken main dishes? Check out this Creamy Coconut Chicken for another delicious meal idea!
Substitutions and Variations
- Prefer a lighter version? Bake the chicken instead of frying.
- No elbow macaroni? Swap it for penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese and coconut milk for the sauce.
- Want more crunch? Add toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
For another fun twist, try this Easy Black Pepper Chicken for a flavor-packed meal!
What to Serve With Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish is already rich and indulgent, so pair it with lighter sides to balance things out:
- Steamed Green Beans – A simple, fresh contrast.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli – Adds a little crunch.
- Side Salad – A tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
- Buttery Dinner Rolls – Because more carbs are always welcome.
Try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta if you love creamy pasta dishes!
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Avoid microwaving—it dries out the cheese sauce.
If you love cozy dinners, try this Southern Smothered Chicken for another comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything separately and assemble when ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but gouda and Monterey Jack are great too.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra black pepper, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the honey glaze.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, black pepper, vinegar, and garlic powder. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour and cornstarch, dip in egg wash, then coat in panko. Fry in oil until golden and crispy. Toss in honey pepper sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a pan, stir in heavy cream, and add cheeses gradually. Whisk until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, add crumbled bacon, and stir. Serve topped with honey pepper chicken.
Notes
- Baked Option: Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
If you love pepper chicken, creamy pasta, and sweet-savory glazes, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new favorite dish. It’s perfect for weeknights, Sunday dinner recipes, or anytime you crave serious comfort food. Try it once, and you’ll never go back!
