Description
Comfort food gets a delicious upgrade with sweet & spicy honey chicken macaroni and cheese. Creamy pasta blends perfectly with crispy, glazed chicken, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies cravings and delights taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by thoroughly coating pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is completely covered for optimal crispiness.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet and carefully fry chicken until achieving a golden, crisp exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside momentarily.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
- Return fried chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is generously coated with the sticky, spicy glaze.
- Cook chicken in sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, guaranteeing thorough heating and maximum flavor absorption.
- Simultaneously, bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until perfectly al dente.
- In a separate saucepan, create a roux by melting butter and incorporating flour, stirring until the mixture turns a delicate golden color.
- Gradually introduce warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and encourage a smooth, creamy texture.
- Once sauce thickens, remove from heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted.
- Enhance the cheese sauce with a touch of Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
- Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese as a delectable base, then crown with the sweet and spicy honey chicken.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the top.
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat that absorbs sauce better than chicken breast.
- Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure extra crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control spice level, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal heat tolerance.
- Customize cheese blend by experimenting with different types like gruyère, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg