Description
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food indulgence! Tender spiral pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, topped with crispy, saucy chicken strips and smoky bacon, this dish is a sweet, savory, and spicy masterpiece that will satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 16 ounces spiral noodles (1 box)
- 25 ounces breaded chicken strips (1 bag)
- 5 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Strips
- Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions until golden and crispy.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spiral noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Slowly add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Mix in crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Serve and Garnish
- Plate a generous portion of mac and cheese.
- Top with honey pepper chicken strips.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce.
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish is best served fresh while the cheese sauce is at its creamiest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American