Honey 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
Scale
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
