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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 136 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked spiral noodles. Enhanced with crispy bacon and fresh basil, this comforting dish balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for an irresistible meal.

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 (8 tablespoons) 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

  1. Cook the Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions (or prepare your own breaded chicken strips). Once cooked, set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the spiral noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the 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 the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly to thicken.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter and heavy cream together over medium heat. Once melted, gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses one at a time, stirring constantly after each addition until fully incorporated and melted. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant and mixed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the noodles. Then add the cooked, crumbled bacon and mix until distributed.
  6. Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated, then set aside.
  7. Serve: Plate the mac and cheese mixture, then top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil and extra crumbled bacon if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can bake or deep fry the chicken strips based on your preference.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level.
  • For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded for a creamier sauce.
  • The honey pepper sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before coating the chicken.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Creamy Cheese Sauce, Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/