Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
I’ve made this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese several times now, and trust me, it never fails to impress! There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken strips glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon all nestled in perfectly cooked pasta. If you’re like me and love restaurant-style meals but prefer cooking them at home, this recipe is a must-try. It’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up!
Credit: thechunkychef
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish. Choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients will take your meal to the next level.
- 16 oz box spiral noodles
Pro Tip: Use spiral pasta like rotini to catch all the creamy cheese sauce. - 25 oz bag of breaded chicken strips
Tip: Opt for crispy breaded chicken to add a nice crunch to the dish. - 5 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Tip: Fry the bacon until crispy for extra texture. - Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Tip: Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference.
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- ¾ cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Note: This recipe serves 4 generously.
Variations
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas for variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy cream and shredded plant-based cheese.
- Protein Twist: Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Extra Heat: Add chili flakes to the honey pepper sauce for a fiery kick.
For a similar sweet and savory chicken dish, try this Skillet White Pesto Chicken and Orzo Recipe.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to prepare this meal:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this recipe as smooth as butter, gather the following:
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Medium saucepan: To make the honey pepper sauce.
- Large sauté pan: For preparing the cheese sauce and combining ingredients.
- Baking sheet or air fryer: To cook the chicken strips.
- Whisk: Helps to keep the sauce velvety smooth.
- Colander: Drains cooked pasta perfectly.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
This recipe is straightforward and well worth the effort! Follow these steps for a delicious homemade spin on a classic:
Step 1. Cook the Chicken
Prepare your breaded chicken strips according to package directions. You can bake, air fry, or even deep fry them. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2. Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then add the spiral noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly; it will thicken more as it cools.
Step 4. Create the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter and heavy cream together in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once combined, gradually stir in the shredded cheeses. Add them one at a time, allowing each to melt fully before adding the next. Add salt, pepper, and garlic, then mix until smooth. Stir in the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon.
Step 5. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Set the strips on a plate until ready to serve.
Step 6. Assemble and Serve
Plate the cheesy pasta in serving bowls, top with glazed chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil or an extra sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!
Credit: kitchenmomy
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few things I’ve learned from making this recipe:
- Use fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese makes the sauce creamier.
- Watch the sauce: Stir the honey pepper sauce frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking.
- Keep it warm: If making in advance, keep the cheese sauce on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much.
- Customize garnish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or crushed red pepper adds flair and flavor.
For another creamy and flavorful dish, check out this Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Presentation is key when serving this hearty dish. Serve in shallow bowls or pasta plates for a casual look. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and crumbled bacon for a pop of color and flavor. If you want to impress, garnish with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of extra honey pepper sauce for an upscale touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick summary of the nutritional profile per serving:
- Calories: Approx. 1037
- Protein: About 26g
- Carbohydrates: Around 74g
- Fat: About 72g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for prepping in advance! Here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cheese sauce and chicken strips separately for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta with a splash of milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat the chicken in the oven to retain its crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has so much going for it! Here’s why I adore it:
- Easy to Make: Despite having multiple components, the steps are simple and manageable for any home cook.
- Restaurant Quality: It’s like having Applebee’s at home, but better!
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day!
If you’re looking to bring a little restaurant magic to your dining table, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is your ticket. Give it a try, and savor every last creamy, saucy bite! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your breaded chicken strips according to package directions. You can bake, air fry, or even deep fry them. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then add the spiral noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly; it will thicken more as it cools.
- Melt butter and heavy cream together in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once combined, gradually stir in the shredded cheeses. Add them one at a time, allowing each to melt fully before adding the next. Add salt, pepper, and garlic, then mix until smooth. Stir in the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon.
- Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Set the strips on a plate until ready to serve.
- Plate the cheesy pasta in serving bowls, top with glazed chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil or an extra sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese makes the sauce creamier.
- Watch the sauce: Stir the honey pepper sauce frequently to prevent it from burning or sticking.
- Keep it warm: If making in advance, keep the cheese sauce on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much.
- Customize garnish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or crushed red pepper adds flair and flavor.
