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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy pasta and crispy breaded chicken strips glazed with a tangy and sweet honey pepper sauce. This dish combines spiral noodles, a rich cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and a flavorful homemade honey pepper glaze, making it a perfect comfort meal with a spicy-sweet twist.

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, to 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 Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions or prepare your own if preferred. Once cooked, set aside to keep warm.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the spiral noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Honey Pepper Sauce: 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 over medium heat, then reduce to simmer. Stir frequently and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter together with the heavy cream over medium heat. When fully melted and combined, add the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses one at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth and creamy. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the pan. Stir well to combine evenly. Fold in the cooked, crumbled bacon, mixing until integrated throughout.
  6. Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the warm honey pepper sauce, ensuring it is fully coated with the glaze. Place coated strips aside ready for serving.
  7. Serve: Plate the cheesy bacon pasta and top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra crumbled bacon if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can bake or deep fry the chicken strips depending on your preference for crispiness.
  • Simmering the honey pepper sauce helps it thicken for better coating of the chicken strips.
  • Use fresh shredded cheeses for enhanced melting and flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level in the honey pepper sauce.
  • For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it will be less creamy.
  • Bacon can be omitted or substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, honey pepper sauce, breaded chicken strips, comfort food, cheesy pasta, bacon mac and cheese

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