“`html
If you’re looking for a meal that combines comfort food with a delicious twist, the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy breaded chicken strips that are drenched in a luscious honey pepper sauce. Every bite delivers a comforting yet exciting flavor combination that is sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet purposeful ingredients make the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together beautifully.
- Spiral noodles: Perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce and giving a delightful bite.
- Breaded chicken strips: Crispy and tender, they provide the hearty protein your dish deserves.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch to contrast the creamy pasta and sticky sauce.
- Honey and light brown sugar: Deliver a natural sweetness that balances the peppery kick in the sauce.
- Soy sauce (low sodium): Brings a subtle umami depth without overpowering the sweeter notes.
- Pineapple juice: Introduces a bright, tropical tang that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Vinegar: Enhances the tangy edge and rounds out the sauce profile.
- Black and cayenne pepper: Provide that signature spicy pepper punch with a hint of heat.
- Butter and heavy cream: Make the cheese sauce ultra-creamy and smooth.
- Parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses: A trio of cheeses that create a melty, flavorful sauce with plenty of gooeyness.
- Garlic: Infuses the cheese sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Fresh basil: Adds a burst of herbal freshness as a beautiful finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning balance.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the breaded chicken strips using your preferred method—either baking or frying according to the package instructions. Once golden and crispy, set them aside. These chicken strips will become the star protein once coated in that irresistible honey pepper sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral noodles until al dente. The spiral shape is great for holding onto sauce, so don’t overcook. Drain the noodles and set them aside, ready to be combined with the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the sauce lightly, intensifying the flavors for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. Let it cool slightly before using.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream to warm gently, then gradually add shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring constantly to create a luscious, smooth sauce. Mix in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. This cheese sauce is rich and gooey, designed to coat every piece of pasta with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked spiral noodles directly into the cheese sauce, giving it a good stir to make sure each spiral is thoroughly coated. Toss in the crumbled bacon to add some smoky crunch throughout the dish — this little addition takes the mac and cheese beyond classic comfort food.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Dip each breaded chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, allowing it to get fully coated with the glossy, flavorful glaze. The combination of the crispy exterior and sticky sauce creates an irresistible protein topping for your mac and cheese.
Step 7: Serve
Plate a generous helping of the cheesy pasta mixture, then top it with the honey pepper-coated chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra crumbled bacon to finish. The colors and aromas alone will make your mouth water before your first bite.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must-have garnish—it adds vibrant green color and a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness. You can also sprinkle a little extra crumbled bacon or a dusting of black pepper for a bit of visual and textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is so rich and satisfying that lighter sides work best. A simple crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts will complement it well without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins, then drizzle extra honey pepper sauce on top right before serving. You can also add a touch of fresh herbs or lemon zest on top for a colorful flourish that elevates the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes just as delightful the next day. Just be sure to keep the chicken separate if you want to maintain its crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the pasta and cheese sauce together, but keep the honey pepper chicken strips apart. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps preserve textures and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese sauce smooth. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy. You can recoat the chicken strips in warm honey pepper sauce to refresh the glaze and crispiness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta for this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral noodles are ideal for holding sauce, you can use elbow macaroni, penne, or shells—whatever you love most. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
Is the honey pepper sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a balanced heat, thanks to black pepper and a touch of cayenne. It provides a gentle kick without overwhelming the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar, making it approachable for most palates.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and heavy cream with vegan butter and coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese substitutes as well, but keep in mind the texture might slightly differ.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken strips for this recipe?
Baking the breaded chicken strips on a wire rack inside the oven helps air circulate around them, keeping them crispy. Alternatively, frying achieves a wonderfully crunchy texture too.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
Yes! You can make the honey pepper sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The cheese sauce can also be prepared and gently reheated before combining with pasta. Just cook the chicken fresh for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is a true showstopper—comforting, flavorful, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it guarantees smiles around the table. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy mac and cheese with an exciting twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
“`
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender spiral pasta, crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, and smoky bacon crumbles. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 1 (16 ounces) box spiral noodles
- 1 (25 ounces) bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Honey Pepper Sauce
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 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 garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions, either by baking in the oven or frying until golden and fully cooked. Once done, set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spiral noodles, and cook until al dente as per package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the honey, light brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Gradually add parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring continuously after each addition until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic along with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked spiral noodles to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. Mix in the crumbled cooked bacon for added texture and flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each cooked breaded chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated, making sure the sauce clings to all sides.
- Serve: Plate the creamy mac and cheese mixture, then top generously with the honey pepper coated chicken strips. Garnish with additional fresh basil and extra crumbled bacon if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can bake or fry the breaded chicken strips depending on your preference or package instructions.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity in the honey pepper sauce to control the spiciness.
- Freshly shredded cheese yields the best melting texture in the cheese sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and aromatic.
