Description

A tantalizing combination of sweet and spicy chicken paired with rich, creamy mac and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
• For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation Method

1. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar. Heat until simmering. If desired, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Toss chicken tenders in the sauce.

4. Boil salted water and cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened. Add shredded cheeses and seasonings, then mix in the cooked macaroni.

6. Serve creamy macaroni and cheese topped with honey pepper chicken tenders and garnish if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips and Conclusion

Crispier Chicken: For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb process.

Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead: Prepare the honey pepper sauce and cheese sauce in advance to save time during assembly.

This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. Treat your family or guests to a meal they won’t forget. Don’t forget to explore more recipes on our site for your next culinary adventure! 🍯🌶️🥒