Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

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Golden, crispy chicken bites paired with ultra-creamy mac and cheese? Yes, please. This Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is an indulgent bowl of comfort that brings sweet heat and cheesy richness together in perfect harmony. Imagine crunchy, honey-glazed chicken sitting atop curls of macaroni smothered in velvety cheese sauce. It tastes like something you’d order at a fancy diner, but you can whip it up right in your own kitchen.

The sweet kick of honey pepper sauce drizzled over that crisped chicken brings a surprise twist to the richness of the pasta. Every bite offers a contrast of textures and flavors that makes this dish anything but ordinary. It’s cozy enough for a night in and impressive enough to serve at your next get-together. If you love bold flavor combos, this is going to be your new favorite mac and cheese remix.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While classic elbow macaroni is always a win, cavatappi (corkscrew pasta) gives the dish a little extra flair and holds onto that creamy cheese sauce beautifully. You want something with curves or ridges so every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives you tender bites that crisp up perfectly when breaded and fried.

Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk keeps it moist and adds flavor before breading.

Breadcrumbs or Panko: Essential for that golden, crispy coating on the chicken.

Honey: The sweet base of your glaze that balances out the spice from the pepper.

Cracked Black Pepper: For bold flavor and that signature kick in the honey pepper sauce.

Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious base of the cheese sauce.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the mac—use sharp cheddar for extra depth.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty edge and helps thicken the sauce.

Butter: Helps create a silky sauce and also adds richness to the chicken breading step.

Flour: A little goes a long way in thickening your cheese sauce.

Cavatappi Pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds onto the cheese sauce like a dream.

Parsley (Optional): For garnish, if you want a pop of green and freshness on top.

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How To Make the Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, mix the pieces with buttermilk, cover, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re planning ahead). This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor.

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Step 2: Bread and Fry the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine your breadcrumbs or panko with salt and a pinch of black pepper. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden and crispy on all sides. Set aside on paper towels to drain.

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Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cavatappi (or preferred pasta) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for about a minute. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Prepare the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey with cracked black pepper. Warm it gently over low heat for a minute or two until it thins slightly and becomes pourable.

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Step 6: Assemble It All

Mix the cooked pasta into your creamy cheese sauce until well coated. Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls, top with crispy chicken bites, and generously drizzle the honey pepper glaze over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Serve this dish hot and fresh—the contrast of textures is best right after the crispy chicken meets the creamy mac. For presentation, pile the cheesy pasta high in a bowl and arrange the chicken on top so it stays crisp. Add a drizzle of honey pepper glaze right before serving for that irresistible sticky-sweet shine.

Leftovers? No problem. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken and mac separately, then reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Re-crisp the chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy finish or mix in a little smoked gouda for depth. Just make sure your cheese melts well.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Of course. Reduce the cracked black pepper in the glaze or substitute with a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re after more sweet than heat.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes. For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The cheese sauce and pasta don’t freeze well together, but you can freeze the fried chicken separately. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

What pasta shapes work besides cavatappi?

Elbow, rotini, or shells work great too—anything that can trap that luscious cheese sauce.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight left you craving more pasta dishes with bold flavors, you’re in luck. Try these next:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a rich and garlicky comfort bowl.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine if you want something zesty and bright.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes—more of a pasta-adjacent favorite, but perfect with creamy mac, too.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese for a simple twist with melty mozzarella goodness.
• One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta if you love heat with your cheese fix.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again when the mac and cheese cravings strike.

And don’t forget to share how it turned out in the comments. Did you spice up the glaze or go all-in with extra cheese? Maybe you swapped the pasta shape? I love seeing your creative spins.

Looking for more daily recipes and dinner inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina for new ideas posted regularly.

Let’s keep cooking deliciously, together.

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