Description

Craving the ultimate comfort food? Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese combines golden, crispy chicken tenders with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a dinner that delivers major flavor and texture. Topped with a sweet and spicy honey pepper drizzle, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, easy dinners, quick meal ideas, or when you want a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s the best of both worlds—crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory, all in one bowl!

Ingredients

350 g elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

450 g chicken tenders

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

Salt to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook until thickened, 2–3 minutes.

4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Season with salt.

5. Dip chicken tenders in beaten eggs, then coat with seasoned panko bread crumbs.

6. Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

7. For the sauce, combine honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and BBQ sauce in a small saucepan. Warm gently.

8. Toss macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to serving bowls.

9. Top with crispy chicken tenders, drizzle with honey pepper sauce, and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For crispier chicken, bake breaded tenders on a wire rack at 425°F if you prefer not to fry.

You can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for extra meltiness.

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less heat to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (of 6)
Calories: 790
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 940 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 76 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 167 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, chicken recipes, mac and cheese, honey pepper, food ideas