Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed and heated through, then set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Shake off excess marinade and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Drizzle with Glaze: Once fried, remove the chicken from the oil and immediately drizzle with the honey glaze. Allow to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Step 5: Make the Buttermilk Mac & Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the buttermilk, stirring until smooth.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Plating: Serve the sweet and spicy fried chicken alongside a generous helping of buttermilk mac and cheese. Drizzle any remaining honey glaze over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the mac and cheese for a pop of color.
Tips for the Best Results
- Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, double-dip by re-dipping the marinated chicken back into the buttermilk, then the flour mixture before frying.
- Glaze: Adjust the honey and hot sauce to taste—add more honey for sweetness or more hot sauce for heat.
- Mac & Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gouda or pepper jack for added flavor.
Conclusion
This honey glaze sweet & spicy fried chicken paired with creamy buttermilk mac and cheese creates a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this recipe will keep your guests talking long after the last bite. Enjoy this exclusive recipe, and let the comforting aromas fill your kitchen as you create a meal to remember!