Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together two comfort food favorites with a twist. The honey and hot sauce add a perfect balance of sweetness and heat to the crispy fried chicken, while the buttermilk in the mac and cheese brings tang and depth that takes it beyond the ordinary. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but totally worth it—ideal for a cozy weekend dinner or when I want to impress guests with a homestyle classic that packs a punch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Chicken pieces (any cuts I like—wings, thighs, drumsticks, or breast)

• Honey

• Hot sauce

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Oil, for frying

For the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:

• Elbow macaroni

• Buttermilk

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Butter

• All-purpose flour

• Milk

• Paprika

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

Fried Chicken

1. I start by mixing honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I toss the chicken pieces in this marinade until well coated and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavor.

2. I heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready for frying.

3. I fry the marinated chicken in batches, turning as needed, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

4. I drain the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels. While still hot, I drizzle with extra honey or hot sauce if I want to amp up the glaze.

Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

5. While the chicken cooks, I boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, drain it, and set it aside.

6. In a large saucepan, I melt butter over medium heat and stir in the flour. I whisk it for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

7. I slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

8. I season the sauce with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

9. I stir in the cooked macaroni and finish with the buttermilk, mixing until the sauce is creamy, cheesy, and coats every noodle.

10. I plate the mac and cheese next to the crispy fried chicken and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings and comes together in about 40 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. It’s great for dinner, weekend gatherings, or anytime I want that sweet-spicy-creamy comfort combo.

Variations

• I sometimes add cayenne or chili flakes to the chicken marinade for extra heat.

• For the mac and cheese, I mix in a little smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for extra richness.

• I’ve used chicken tenders or boneless thighs when I want quicker cooking and easier eating.

• To make the dish extra Southern-style, I serve it with a side of coleslaw or pickles.

• For oven-fried chicken, I coat the marinated pieces in seasoned flour and bake at 400°F until crispy and golden.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to bring back its crispiness, and I reheat the mac and cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk or buttermilk to restore its creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this with boneless chicken?

Yes, I often use boneless thighs or tenders for quicker cooking. They fry up faster and are great for sandwiches too.

What kind of hot sauce works best?

I usually use a vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Crystal for balance, but any favorite hot sauce works.

Is the mac and cheese very tangy from the buttermilk?

It has a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese. If I want it milder, I use half buttermilk and half regular milk.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, I coat the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs after marinating, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F until crispy and cooked through.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like serving it with collard greens, roasted sweet potatoes, cornbread, or a crisp slaw for contrast.

Conclusion

This Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Mac & Cheese is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special. Crispy, juicy chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta come together for a bold, comforting dish that always hits the spot. Whether I’m cooking for friends, family, or just myself, it’s a plate full of warmth and flavor I’ll come back to again and again.

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