Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze. Topped with bacon and fresh basil, it’s an indulgent, flavor-packed dish.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
- 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
Cook the chicken strips according to package instructions (bake or fry as preferred). Set aside once cooked.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring after each addition until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and mix well. Stir in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
6️⃣ Coat the Chicken in Honey Pepper Sauce:
Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they’re fully coated.
7️⃣ Assemble and Serve:
Plate the mac and cheese, then top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon, if desired.
Notes
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable Additions: For a twist, add cooked broccoli or bell peppers to the pasta for extra color and flavor.