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Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Usman Malik
Spicy honey chicken with mac and cheese is a delicious comfort food combo featuring crispy, glazed chicken with a sweet-spicy kick and creamy, cheesy macaroni. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and sure to impress with its bold flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 850 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Honey Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp chili flakes optional, for extra heat

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp mustard powder optional, for flavor

Instructions
 

How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for coating.
  • Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
  • In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mix, then the egg mix, then back in the flour.
  • Step 3: Fry the Chicken
  • Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
  • Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Glaze
  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
  • Step 5: Coat the Chicken
  • Place fried chicken on a baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the spicy honey glaze over each piece. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to set the glaze.

How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  • Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta.
  • Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
  • Step 3: Add Cheese
  • Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
  • Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

Keep the chicken crispy by frying in small batches and avoiding overcrowding the pan. Adjust the spice level to your taste by tweaking the cayenne and hot sauce. Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother mac and cheese sauce. Store leftovers separately to maintain texture when reheating.
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