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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.7 from 20 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta is topped with flavorful honey pepper chicken strips for a dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Honey Pepper Sauce:

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

Cheese Sauce:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken strips according to package instructions, either baking or frying. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the spiral noodles until al dente, then drain.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a pan, add heavy cream to make a sauce. Gradually add parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese, stirring after each addition. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring in crumbled bacon.
  6. Coat Chicken Strips: Dip chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta mixture, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with basil leaves.
  8. Enjoy: Dive into your mouthwatering Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

  • You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the honey sauce.
  • Feel free to add extra toppings like more cheese or crispy bacon for added texture.

Nutrition

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