4 Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring creamy, cheesy macaroni topped with crispy chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This indulgent meal is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for any occasion!
Cooking Time ⏳
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
My Cooking Experience 👩🍳
With over 4 years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve perfected the balance of creamy, cheesy pasta with the crispy, sticky sweetness of honey pepper chicken. This recipe never disappoints!
Ingredients 🛒
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions 🍽️
1. Cook the Mac & Cheese 🧀
Boil the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring until thick. Add cheeses, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth, then mix with pasta.
2. Prepare & Cook the Chicken 🍗
Slice the chicken into strips. Coat in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in panko breadcrumbs. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce 🍯
In a saucepan, heat honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes until combined. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until coated.
4. Assemble & Serve 🍽️
Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations 🔄
- Spicy Twist: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Equipment You’ll Need 🔪
- Saucepan
- Air fryer or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Why You’ll Love It ❤️
- Ultra Cheesy: Four kinds of cheese make this mac incredibly creamy.
- Crispy & Sweet: The honey pepper chicken is crunchy and flavorful.
- Comfort Food Favorite: A perfect indulgence for mac and cheese lovers!
Nutritional Information 📊
- Calories: ~600 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion 🏁
This 4 Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken—what’s not to love? Try it for your next comfort food craving! 🧀🍗🔥
4 cheese mac with honey pepper chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring until thick. Add cheeses, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth, then mix with pasta.
- Slice the chicken into strips. Coat in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in panko breadcrumbs. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- In a saucepan, heat honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes until combined. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until coated.
- Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Twist: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
