Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Imagine spirals of creamy, cheesy pasta crowned with crispy golden chicken, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey pepper glaze. Every bite is a whirlwind of bold flavors, tender textures, and just the perfect amount of heat. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or to wow your friends at a gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dig in and make your kitchen smell amazing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of ingredients proves you don’t need anything complicated to create a show-stopper. Each fresh component brings its own magic: crispy breaded chicken for bite, a trio of cheeses for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, and a homemade honey pepper sauce that’s unforgettable.

Spiral noodles (16 ounces): Their corkscrew shapes hold onto all that cheesy goodness and sauce!
Breaded chicken strips (25 ounces): These become the delicious star of the dish, adding crunch and savoriness.
Bacon (5 slices, cooked and crumbled): For a smoky, salty punch that elevates every bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: The classic duo for seasoning to perfection.
Basil for garnish: Adds bright, fresh color and a herby aroma to the finished plate.
Honey (3/4 cup): The heart of the signature honey pepper sauce, bringing balanced sweetness.
Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Caramel notes deepen the flavor of the sauce.
Low sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a savory, umami backbone without too much saltiness.
Pineapple juice (1/4 cup): A tropical tang that brightens the glaze beautifully.
Juice of 1 lemon: For zing, freshness, and a hit of acidity.
Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lends a mild tang and rounds out the sauce.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): The “pepper” in honey pepper, bringing gentle heat.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough kick to wake up your taste buds.
Butter (1 stick): Makes the cheese sauce ultra-silky and rich.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Envelops every noodle in luxury-level creaminess.
Parmesan cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, sharp depth to the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded (1 cup): Melts perfectly for those dreamy cheese pulls.
Colby jack cheese, freshly shredded (3/4 cup): A mellow complement to the bold flavors.
Minced garlic (2-3 cloves): Because everything is better with a touch of aromatic garlic.
Chopped fresh basil: An optional flourish that makes everything pop with freshness.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preparing the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions. You can opt to bake them for easy, hands-off crispiness or fry them if you want extra-crunchy edges. Once they’re golden and cooked through, set the strips aside to cool slightly. This step is all about building that crave-worthy bite for your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spiral noodles and cook until they are al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles, and if you like, toss them with a little butter to keep them from sticking while you prep the sauces. These noodles are the backbone of our cheesy masterpiece!

Step 3: Simmer the Honey Pepper Sauce

Grab a small saucepan and add the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring everything to a bubbling boil, then lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce thickens ever so slightly, remove it from the heat to cool—you want it syrupy to perfectly coat the chicken later on.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesy Sauce

In a deep pan or large skillet, melt the stick of butter over medium heat, then pour in the heavy cream to create a luscious base. Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring constantly so each variety melts in smoothly and evenly. Toss in the minced garlic, then taste and season with salt and pepper. The result? A cheese sauce so rich and flavorful you’ll want to lick the spoon!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

With everything prepped, it’s time to combine the drained noodles and cheesy sauce right in the pan. Stir to fully coat every spiral. Mix in the crumbled bacon for even more flavor. The mix of creamy, smoky, and salty elements forms the irresistible base for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Take those crispy chicken strips and dip or brush them liberally with the cooled honey pepper sauce. Make sure each piece is fully coated—this is where the sweet-heat magic happens! The sauce clings to the crust and infuses every bite with bold, bright flavor.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Ready for the grand finale? Plate the cheesy pasta, arrange the honey pepper-glazed chicken on top, and scatter over more crunchy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is now ready to dazzle everyone lucky enough to get a plate.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh basil or even some extra crumbled bacon is all you need to elevate the presentation. The bright greens and rich browns make the dish pop visually, and every sprinkle adds another layer of flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

This decadent meal shines alongside simple, crisp salads tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, garlic bread for scooping up the extra sauce, or sweet corn on the cob. Aim for sides that balance the richness of your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets, or bake the finished dish in a casserole for a deliciously bubbly, family-style presentation. For fun, layer the pasta and chicken in jars or bowls for a twist on classic mac and cheese, especially perfect for potlucks or parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheesy pasta and sauced chicken will keep fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making a dreamy lunch or quick weeknight meal.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese by letting everything cool completely, then sealing individual servings well. Frozen pasta and chicken will keep for about two months, just keep the chicken strips and pasta in separate containers if possible for the best texture upon reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the mac and cheese in the oven or a skillet over gentle heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. The chicken can be crisped up in the oven or air fryer before serving. This way, every bite is just as delicious as when it was first made!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spiral noodles are my go-to for holding onto the cheese sauce, shells, elbows, or cavatappi work beautifully, too. Just use whatever shape your family loves for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Can I make this dish with grilled or non-breaded chicken?

Yes, you can swap in grilled, rotisserie, or even leftover roasted chicken. The breaded version adds extra crunch, but unbreaded works just as well—just glaze it well with the honey pepper sauce before topping your pasta.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier or milder?

If you love heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to your honey pepper sauce. For a milder version, simply cut back the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. The dish is totally customizable to your spice preferences!

Can I use a different blend of cheeses?

Absolutely! The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and colby jack is classic, but feel free to use cheddar, gouda, Monterey jack, or whatever you have on hand. Each will bring its own cheesy personality to your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Do I have to use heavy cream for the cheese sauce?

Cream gives you that rich, luscious texture everyone loves, but half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version. Just know it will be a bit less decadent, but still absolutely delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for this flavor-packed adventure. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a true comfort food hero, totally irresistible from the first bite to the last morsel. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new household classic—your family and friends are going to love it!