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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with a creamy cheese sauce and smoky bacon for added flavor. This comforting dish brings together tender spiral noodles, a blend of melted cheeses, and a flavorful honey pepper glaze for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese

  • 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

Honey Pepper Sauce

  • 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)

Chicken

  • 1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions or your preferred method. Once cooked, set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the spiral noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly so the sauce thickens.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the heavy cream. Once melted and combined, add shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses one at a time, stirring after each addition until smooth. Stir in minced garlic and continue stirring until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the pan. Stir to combine evenly. Then fold in the crumbled cooked bacon to distribute the smoky flavor throughout.
  6. Coat the Chicken: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated. Set aside on a plate to retain the glaze.
  7. Serve: Plate the mac and cheese, then top with the honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Garnish generously with chopped fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute homemade chicken strips for a fresher flavor if preferred.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
  • The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Ensure to stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent the cheese from clumping or burning.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, mac and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, honey pepper sauce, breaded chicken strips, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner recipe

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/