Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or when you want something special yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper
- Basil
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions or your preferred method. Set aside once cooked.
- Step 2: Cook the spiral noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
- Step 4: In a large pan, melt the butter with the heavy cream over medium heat.
- Step 5: Add the shredded cheeses one at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted. Stir in the minced garlic until incorporated.
- Step 6: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Fold in the crumbled bacon until evenly mixed.
- Step 8: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until well coated. Set aside.
- Step 9: To serve, plate the mac and cheese, top with the honey pepper coated chicken strips, and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper slightly but balance with additional honey to keep it sweet.
- You can substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce and better melting texture.
- Try adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for some added color and nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed. The chicken is best served fresh but can be reheated separately and dipped again in the honey pepper sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while spiral noodles work great because they hold sauce well, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that the breaded chicken strips are gluten-free or replace with grilled chicken strips seasoned similarly.
PrintHoney Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
A delightful twist on classic mac and cheese, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender spiral pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, and savory bacon for added crunch and flavor. This comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Honey Pepper Sauce
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick butter (4 oz)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to package directions until crispy and golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the spiral noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Make Honey Pepper Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter and heavy cream together over medium heat. Once melted, gradually add parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Stir in minced garlic until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. Fold in crumbled bacon until well distributed.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy pasta mixture and top with the honey pepper coated chicken strips. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional crumbled bacon if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can bake or deep fry the chicken strips depending on preference or convenience.
- If unable to find breaded chicken strips, homemade breaded chicken tenders work well.
- For a spicier sauce, increase cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties for a creamier sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the cheese sauce.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Breaded Chicken, Bacon, Sweet and Spicy Sauce
