Crispy Chicken Mac & Cheese
Crispy Chicken Mac and Cheese is what happens when comfort food decides to show off. Creamy, stovetop-to-oven mac and cheese baked until bubbling and golden, then piled high with InnovAsian Crispy Honey Chicken glazed in that sweet, sticky sauce. It’s rich, savory, and just sweet enough to keep every bite exciting. The contrast of ultra-creamy cheese and crunchy chicken makes this feel indulgent yet effortless, the kind of dish you pull out when you want dinner to feel special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Creamy Mac & Cheese
- 1 lb large macaroni cooked al dente according to packaging
- 1 quart half and half room temp
- 2 cup sharp cheddar shredded
- 1 cup Gouda cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg freshly grated or powdered
Crispy Honey Chicken
- 1 18 oz box InnovAsian Crispy Honey Chicken
Instructions
Crispy Honey Chicken
- Arrange the prepared chicken pieces in the air fryer tray or basket and follow the cooking instructions included in the packaging.
- While those cook, grab the sweet sauce with honey packet and empty it into a microwave-safe container. Microwave in 10 second intervals until warm.
- Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, dress with the sweet sauce with honey.
Creamy Mac & Cheese
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once bubbling slightly, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half, whisking continuously to create a smooth mixture with no lumps.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil, as this may cause it to break and scorch at the bottom of the pan.
- Season with garlic, salt, onion powder, nutmeg and pepper.
- Remove from heat and whisk in one cup of the sharp cheddar, the gouda cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until combined. Top evenly with the remaining cheeses.
- Place on the middle rack in the preheated oven and cook for 15-21 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted, browned and bubbling throughout.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Assemble
- Top the cooked Mac and cheese with the crispy sauced honey chicken. Drizzle with any remaining sauce and enjoy!