Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Mac & Cheese
Crispy, juicy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze, paired with ultra-creamy buttermilk mac and cheese—comfort food done right.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
Chicken pieces (any preferred cuts: thighs, wings, drumsticks, breasts)
2–3 tablespoons honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying
For the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
½ cup buttermilk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Cook Pasta: Prepare elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
Season & Finish Sauce: Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then add buttermilk and stir.
Combine: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Mix well until creamy.
Serve: Plate fried chicken hot with a generous serving of buttermilk mac and cheese. Drizzle extra honey or hot sauce over the chicken if desired.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
Add cayenne or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
For extra crunch, dredge chicken in seasoned flour before frying.
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder mac & cheese flavor.
