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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe


  • Author: kylie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that come together in a comforting, hearty dish. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you’re simply craving indulgent comfort food, this recipe delivers a gourmet twist to a classic favorite. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy pasta, and a sweet yet spicy honey pepper sauce, this dish is bound to impress.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Chicken:

  • 1 (16-ounce) box spiral noodles
  • 1 (25-ounce) bag breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Basil for garnish

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 3/4 cup colby jack cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 23 cloves minced garlic
  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Begin by cooking the spiral noodles according to the package instructions.
  2. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

  1. Prepare the breaded chicken strips as per the package directions.
  2. After cooking, cut the strips into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

  1. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.
  2. Remove from the skillet, crumble, and set aside for topping.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  4. Add chopped fresh basil for additional flavor.

Step 6: Combine the Ingredients

  1. Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  2. Stir in the chicken pieces and honey pepper sauce, reserving some sauce for drizzling on top.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

  1. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a serving dish.
  2. Top with crumbled bacon and drizzle the remaining honey pepper sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6th of the dish)
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

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