Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese Recipe

This Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken paired with Buttermilk Mac & Cheese is a delightful comfort food combo that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The fried chicken is crispy and coated with a honey glaze that brings the perfect touch of sweetness, while the mac & cheese is creamy and rich with the tangy taste of buttermilk. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal, ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or just treating yourself.

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The Story Behind Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

Fried chicken has long been a staple of Southern cuisine, and the addition of a honey glaze with a kick of spice takes this classic to the next level. This dish is inspired by the famous Nashville hot chicken, with its spicy kick, but softened by the sweetness of honey. Paired with buttermilk mac & cheese, a Southern twist on the traditional recipe, it creates a perfectly balanced meal that’s rich in history and flavor. Buttermilk adds a tangy depth to the creamy cheese sauce, complementing the heat of the fried chicken.

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Key Ingredients and Why They Matter

Chicken

Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal for fried chicken because they stay juicy when fried, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer.

• Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.

Honey Glaze

The honey glaze brings sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the fried chicken. A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper gives the glaze its kick, creating that sweet and spicy contrast.

• Substitution Tip: If you want a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or replace it with a milder chili sauce.

Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor to the mac & cheese, making it stand out from the traditional recipe. Combined with sharp cheddar cheese, it creates a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Pro Tip: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a more complex cheese flavor.

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How to Make Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

For the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.

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Step 3: Prepare the Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Set aside.

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Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating them evenly.
3. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for 7-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

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Step 5: Make the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder and mustard powder, then pour in the buttermilk and heavy cream.
3. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 6: Glaze the Chicken and Serve

1. Once the fried chicken has drained, brush each piece with the honey glaze, making sure to coat it evenly.
2. Serve the glazed fried chicken with a side of the creamy buttermilk mac & cheese.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with classic Southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle a little extra hot honey over the chicken right before serving. This meal is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Variations and Add-Ins

Spicy Honey Butter Chicken

For an extra buttery and spicy kick, mix additional melted butter with the honey glaze and increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

Bacon Buttermilk Mac & Cheese

Add crispy bacon bits to the mac & cheese for a savory twist. The salty crunch of the bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy buttermilk sauce.

Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the fried chicken gluten-free without sacrificing crunch.

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Dietary Adaptations

Precise Diet Classifications:

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk mixed with lemon juice and use dairy-free cheese for the mac & cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for frying the chicken and ensure the cheese sauce is made with gluten-free ingredients.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute the macaroni with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly mac & cheese option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with the honey glaze after baking.

Can I make the mac & cheese ahead of time?
Yes, the mac & cheese can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or stovetop, adding a little extra milk or cream if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.

What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?
To maintain crispiness, reheat the fried chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

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