Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil, for frying
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper (add more if you like it extra spicy)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot (around 350°F), fry the chicken in batches, cooking for about 5-6 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using).
- Simmer over low heat, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil, as honey can burn easily.
- Once the sauce is ready, set it aside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the honey pepper sauce until each piece is well-coated.
- Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy serving.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
- In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and heat until warm, but don’t let it boil.
- Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and smooth. Add mozzarella cheese and stir until fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the cheese sauce to your desired creaminess. (If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more cheese or let it simmer for a few more minutes.)
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is well-coated.
Step 7: Serve
- Plate the creamy macaroni on one side of each dish.
- Top the other side with the sweet and spicy honey pepper chicken. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 30g