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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)
  • 2–3 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