Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Breaded chicken strips are tossed in a honey pepper glaze, then paired with creamy, cheesy pasta and crispy bacon, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
- 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips (baked or fried)
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- ¾ cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the chicken:
Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions, either by baking or frying them until crispy. Once done, set them aside.
2️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Boil the spiral noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the honey pepper sauce:
In a saucepan, combine ¾ cup honey, ¼ cup light brown sugar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, ¼ cup pineapple juice, lemon juice, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
4️⃣ Prepare the cheese sauce:
In a large pan, melt 1 stick butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and allow it to warm up. Gradually add ½ cup Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¾ cup colby jack cheese, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Assemble the pasta:
Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon for added flavor.
6️⃣ Coat the chicken in honey pepper sauce:
Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, making sure they’re fully coated.
7️⃣ Serve:
Plate a generous portion of the cheesy pasta. Top it with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional bacon, if desired.
Notes
- Add extra spice: If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken with plant-based strips and omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.