Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. It’s a comforting dish with a delightful balance of flavors perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Basil, chopped fresh for garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions, or prepare your own if preferred. Set aside once cooked.
- Step 2: Cook the spiral noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: While pasta cooks, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
- Step 4: In a large pan, melt butter with heavy cream over medium heat.
- Step 5: Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring well after adding each. Stir in minced garlic until everything is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 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. Then, mix in the crumbled bacon.
- Step 8: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
- Step 9: To serve, plate the mac and cheese and top with honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra bacon if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- For added texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
- Substitute grilled chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a smoky depth.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired, making sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Storage
Store 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 loosen the sauce if needed. The honey pepper sauce may thicken when chilled; stir well when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the honey pepper sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before dipping the chicken to ensure it coats smoothly.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or apple juice for a similar fruity sweetness, keeping the sauce balanced and flavorful.
PrintHoney Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy three-cheese pasta with crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Enhanced with smoky bacon and fresh basil, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 5 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Chopped fresh basil
Chicken
- 1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips
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
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions or prepare your own. Once cooked, set them aside.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the spiral noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Honey Pepper Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, low sodium 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 frequently. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly to thicken.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter with heavy cream over medium heat. Gradually add parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses one at a time, stirring well after each addition until smooth and fully melted.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant and fully incorporated. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Incorporate the crumbled cooked bacon into the mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated, then set aside.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy pasta mixture, top with the honey pepper coated chicken strips, and garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the breaded chicken strips with homemade breaded chicken tenders for a fresher option.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness of the honey pepper sauce.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a handful of steamed vegetables like broccoli can boost the nutritional content of this dish.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Breaded Chicken, Three Cheese Sauce, Bacon, Sweet and Spicy Sauce
