Sweet Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken (Print View)
Crispy honey-pepper chicken alongside creamy macaroni and cheese for a comforting flavor pairing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
Salt, to taste
03 -
Black pepper, to taste
04 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
05 -
2 large eggs, beaten
06 -
1 cup breadcrumbs
07 -
Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Honey Pepper Glaze
08 -
1/4 cup honey
09 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
10 -
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
11 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 -
1 tablespoon butter
→ Creamy Mac and Cheese
14 -
8 ounces elbow macaroni
15 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
17 -
2 cups milk
18 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
19 -
Salt, to taste
20 -
Black pepper, to taste
21 -
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
# Directions:
01 -
Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 -
Arrange three bowls: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
03 -
Coat each chicken piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finish by rolling in breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating on all sides.
04 -
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry chicken in batches for 5 to 7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
05 -
Combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep warm.
06 -
Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
07 -
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
08 -
Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground mustard if using.
09 -
Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
10 -
Arrange creamy mac and cheese on a serving dish alongside the fried chicken. Drizzle the warm honey pepper glaze over the chicken pieces.
11 -
Serve immediately to enjoy while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Fry chicken in small batches to ensure a crisp coating and avoid crowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature.