Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; Chopped fresh basil, to 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 (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

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. Once cooked, set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the spiral noodles following the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: 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, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly to thicken.

Step 4: In a large pan, melt the butter and heavy cream together over medium heat.

Step 5: Gradually add the cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack—one at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the minced garlic until well incorporated.

Step 6: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Fold in the crumbled bacon.

Step 8: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated, then set aside.

Step 9: To serve, plate the mac and cheese and top with the honey pepper coated chicken strips. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.

Use homemade breaded chicken strips for a fresher taste and to control seasoning.

Substitute spiral noodles with elbow macaroni or shell pasta for a different texture.

Try swapping Colby Jack with sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the honey pepper sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before dipping the chicken strips.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute with orange juice or apple juice for a similar fruity sweetness that complements the honey pepper sauce.