Honey Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Mac & Cheese
This crave-worthy combo of crispy sweet & spicy fried chicken and creamy buttermilk mac & cheese is the ultimate comfort food meal. Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dishes, Comfort Food
- Method: Deep Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Ingredients
→ For the Chicken:
Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or preferred cuts)
Honey (to taste)
Hot sauce (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Oil for frying
→ For the Mac & Cheese:
Elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
For the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), turning as needed, about 8–12 minutes depending on size.
Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Drizzle with additional honey and hot sauce if desired.
For the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese:
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly until mixture thickens.
Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add buttermilk and cooked macaroni, stirring to combine until creamy and fully coated.
To Serve:
Plate the crispy fried chicken with a generous helping of warm, creamy buttermilk mac and cheese.
Notes
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best flavor and juiciness.
Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference—add cayenne for extra heat.
Sharp cheddar adds boldness, but you can blend with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
For crispier chicken, double fry or coat with seasoned flour before frying.
