Ready for a dinner that delivers pure comfort and a burst of flavor in every bite? Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is about to become your new obsession. It’s the kind of decadent meal that transforms simple pasta and chicken into a masterpiece, thanks to a velvet-smooth cheese sauce, crispy chicken tossed in sweet-spicy honey pepper glaze, and the glorious moment when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Prepare yourself for a dish that’s as welcoming and fun as a big family hug.

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so satisfying is how each ingredient brings its own magic—rich dairy for creaminess, flavorful seasonings, hearty pasta, and irresistible chicken. With just the right blend, you’ll have everything you need to create layers of comfort and excitement in every forkful.

Elbow macaroni: The ideal pasta shape for soaking up all that ultra-creamy cheese sauce.
Butter: Adds sumptuous richness to the sauce and helps start the roux for ultimate creaminess.
All-purpose flour: Partners with butter to thicken the cheese sauce perfectly.
Whole milk: Provides a smooth, velvety base for the sauce—don’t be tempted to swap for skim!
Heavy cream: Boosts the sauce’s luscious, decadent texture and richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The sharp flavor and orange color are classic for mac and cheese delight.
Mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey stretches and melt-in-your-mouth moments to the mix.
Garlic powder: A subtle, savory backbone that elevates every bite.
Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the pasta and the chicken to perfection.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cut and quick to fry up crisp and juicy.
Buttermilk: Soaks and tenderizes the chicken, making every bite extra succulent.
Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and lovely color to the chicken coating.
Vegetable oil: For frying—choose a neutral oil for golden, crispy results.
Honey: The key to the signature sweet stickiness of the honey pepper glaze.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Cracked black pepper: Gives the glaze its memorable bite and a beautiful finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who wants that extra touch of heat!
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pretty green pop at serving time.

How to Make Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by soaking the chicken breast pieces in buttermilk. Even 20 minutes makes a difference, tenderizing the chicken and ensuring every piece comes out juicy and flavorful. If you’re setting the table or prepping your sides, this is the perfect moment to let the buttermilk work its magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spicy, aromatic blend will create a crispy shell around each nugget of chicken, guaranteeing bite after wonderful bite of golden crunch.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat a generous layer of oil in a pan until shimmering. Dredge the buttermilk-soaked chicken pieces into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess before lowering gently into the hot oil. Fry until golden and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate for maximum crunch. Your kitchen should already smell amazing!

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, stir together the honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you love some heat. Simmer for a few minutes until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened, inviting you to dip your finger in for a taste (it’s hard to resist—go for it!).

Step 5: Glaze the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, toss it in the warm honey pepper glaze. Make sure every bite is evenly coated—this is the sweet and spicy “wow” that brings the whole dish together. Set the irresistible pieces aside as you finish the star of the show: the mac and cheese.

Step 6: Cook the Macaroni

Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside. You want it ready and waiting for the glorious moment when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large saucepan or deep skillet. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute or two to make a golden roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, tasting as you go for seasoning perfection.

Step 8: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

This is what you’ve been waiting for! Add the drained macaroni right into the bubbling cheese sauce. Gently stir so each piece is generously coated in all that gooey, silky goodness. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce slowly to enjoy watching it all come together—this is comfort food happiness in action.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the ultimate mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top each with a generous heap of honey pepper chicken, letting the glaze drip tantalizingly onto the cheesy noodles. If you’d like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or more cracked black pepper for a picture-perfect finish. And don’t forget: when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, you’re turning an everyday meal into something truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley brings brightness and makes the colors pop, while an extra twist of cracked black pepper highlights the smoky-sweet glaze. For a restaurant-style effect, try a dusting of grated cheddar and a drizzle of any extra glaze.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite rich, so crisp, refreshing sides work beautifully. Think a lively tossed green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or even some roasted carrots. Each provides a welcome contrast to the creamy, cheesy center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a “mini casserole” touch, or spoon into a big ovenproof dish, scatter extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust. For parties, try layering mac and cheese in jars with bite-size chicken for a fun, portable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the chicken and mac and cheese separate if possible; this helps keep the chicken crispy and the pasta wonderfully creamy even after chilling.

Freezing

You can freeze the mac and cheese on its own in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. The chicken can be frozen too, though it’s best enjoyed fresh and crispy. To maintain the best texture, freeze the sauce and macaroni separately if you can, then mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess as you stir. Re-crisp chicken pieces in a hot skillet or oven. For the freshest result, always mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce again after reheating for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic, shells, cavatappi, or rotini are great at catching extra cheesy sauce. Just make sure to follow the same technique: mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce for that dreamy consistency.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken a couple of hours ahead; just keep it in a warm oven (200°F/95°C) on a wire rack until ready to coat in the glaze and serve. Wait to mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until just before eating for best results.

What’s the best way to make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes in the glaze, or add a pinch of cayenne to the flour dredge for kick. Stirring a little hot sauce into the cheese sauce also takes it up a notch before you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in both the sauce and chicken coating with a gluten-free blend. The rest of the steps, including when you mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, remain the same.

How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy?

The secret is using enough milk and cream and gently mixing cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce so the pasta doesn’t absorb too much liquid while sitting. Avoid overbaking or reheating too high, and always add a splash of milk to leftovers before warming up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and makes every bite feel special, you absolutely need to try this Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce recipe. The creamy cheese, sweet-spicy chicken, and that dreamy final stir all come together for a comfort food experience you’ll want to share again and again. Gather your favorite people, dig in, and get ready for smiles all around!

Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze is served atop a bed of creamy, cheesy macaroni for a dish that will satisfy all your cravings.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes.
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and shake off excess. Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side). Place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Toss crispy chicken in the glaze to coat evenly.
Cook the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Dish: Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls.
Top with honey pepper glazed chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper (optional).

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Frying
Cuisine: American