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

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Honey glaze sweet & spicy fried chicken with buttermilk mac & cheese is a bold, Southern-style comfort food combo that brings crispy, sticky heat and creamy, tangy richness to your plate. Perfect for indulgent dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

  • For the fried chicken:
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable)
  • For the honey glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1–2 tbsp hot sauce or 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the buttermilk mac & cheese:
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Dredge: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a bowl. Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in flour mixture, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Fry Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet. Fry chicken for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Make Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and salt. Simmer until slightly thickened. Brush or drizzle over hot fried chicken.
  5. Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in buttermilk and milk until smooth and thickened.
  7. Finish Mac & Cheese: Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Fold in cooked macaroni and serve hot.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken wings or tenders for a fun twist.
  • Add bourbon to the glaze for an extra kick.
  • Use a blend of cheeses for richer mac & cheese flavor.
  • Top mac with breadcrumbs for a crunchy baked version.
  • Reheat mac with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/honey-glaze-sweet-spicy-fried-chicken-with-buttermilk-mac-cheese/