Here’s a full comfort-food combo recipe 🍗🧀: Honey-Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken paired with Creamy Buttermilk Mac & Cheese.
Honey-Glaze Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken
Servings: 4
Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken & Coating
- 6–8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust for spice)
- Oil for frying
Honey Glaze
- ¼ cup honey
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (or more for heat)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken
Season chicken with salt & pepper. Soak in buttermilk for 30 minutes (or overnight). - Prepare coating
Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. - Coat & fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shake off excess, fry 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. - Make glaze
Mix honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Warm slightly. - Glaze chicken
Brush or toss fried chicken with honey glaze while hot.
Buttermilk Mac & Cheese
Servings: 4–6
Time: ~25 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk or buttermilk (for tang)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or mix cheddar & mozzarella)
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make cheese sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk or buttermilk until smooth.
Stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard. - Combine
Mix pasta into cheese sauce until fully coated. - Optional bake
Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes for a golden top.
Serving
Plate 2–3 glazed chicken pieces with a generous scoop of mac & cheese. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip: flour → buttermilk → flour.
- Add cayenne or chili flakes to mac & cheese for a spicy kick.
- Leftover honey glaze can be drizzled over mac & cheese for a sweet-spicy twist.
If you want, I can give a faster skillet version that makes both dishes in under 30 minutes without losing flavor.
