Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16 oz box spiral noodles; 1 stick butter; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded; 2-3 cloves minced garlic; Salt and Pepper, to taste; 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 3/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 3 Tbs soy sauce, low sodium; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 Tbs vinegar; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; Basil (fresh, chopped for garnish); 1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips

Ingredients

1 16 oz box spiral noodles

1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips

5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Salt and pepper, to taste

Basil, chopped fresh

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup pineapple juice

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 stick butter

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions, or prepare your own breaded chicken strips. Set aside once cooked.

Step 2: Cook the spiral noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: While the pasta cooks, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly to thicken.

Step 4: In a large pan, melt the butter with the heavy cream over medium heat.

Step 5: Add the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses one at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth and melted. Stir in the minced garlic and mix well.

Step 6: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Fold in the crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated, then set aside.

Step 9: To serve, plate the mac and cheese and top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch more cayenne pepper to the honey pepper sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Swap the spiral noodles for elbow macaroni or penne if preferred.

Try using grilled chicken strips instead of breaded for a lighter version.

Fresh basil can be replaced with parsley or cilantro according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I make the honey pepper sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it slightly before dipping the chicken to help it coat evenly.

What can I use if I don’t have pineapple juice?

If pineapple juice isn’t available, try using orange juice or apple juice as a substitute to maintain the sweet and tangy flavor profile in the sauce.