There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, isn’t there? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe is a true showstopper. Imagine crispy, golden chicken tenders drenched in a sticky, flavorful honey pepper sauce, paired with rich, velvety macaroni and cheese—comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging in something utterly delicious, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Grab a plate, because I’m about to walk you through everything you need to create this heavenly combo. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to get even more recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox!

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are a few highlights:

Incredible flavor contrast: Sweet honey and spicy pepper meet creamy, cheesy goodness in the perfect balance.
Versatile appeal: It’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, change up the cheese, or swap out the pasta shape to suit your mood.
Kid- and adult-approved: This dish wins over even the pickiest eaters—just ask my family!

The best part? The textures and aromas of this dish will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. The crispy chicken paired with gooey macaroni is an experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

1- For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

2- For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

3- For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls for dredging and coating the chicken
A large skillet for frying the chicken
A medium saucepan for the honey pepper sauce
A separate saucepan for the cheese sauce
A large pot for boiling the pasta
A whisk for making the roux and cheese sauce
Paper towels to drain excess oil after frying

How To Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry the chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar.

Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If a thicker sauce is preferred, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Toss the fried chicken tenders in the honey pepper sauce until fully coated.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Gradually add the warm milk, whisking until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.

Add garlic powder and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the creamy macaroni and cheese onto a plate as the base layer.

Top with the honey pepper chicken tenders.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan, if desired.

What to Serve with This Dish

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider adding:

A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans.
Garlic bread for an extra dose of comfort.

Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Prep ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for up to an hour before frying.
Adjust spice levels: For less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce!
Cheese options: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
Crispier chicken: Double-dip the tenders (flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and repeat) for an ultra-crispy coating.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in separate airtight containers:

The macaroni and cheese will keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain its creaminess.
The honey pepper chicken is best stored without the sauce to keep the coating crispy. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! To bake, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and pasta. Make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the macaroni and cheese and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving. Bread the chicken tenders in advance and fry just before eating for the freshest taste.

Conclusion

There you have it—Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese, a dish that’s indulgent, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this recipe will win hearts every time. I hope you try it out soon, and when you do, don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on Pinterest!

Looking for more recipes like this? Check out these delicious ideas:

Chili Cheese Dog Sandwiches for a fun and flavorful family meal.
Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce for another creamy, comforting dinner option.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: 620
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g