Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy pasta is topped with crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese at the bottom layer, the pasta is coated in a smooth, pale yellow sauce with small bits of crispy bacon and chopped green herbs scattered on top. On the top layer, two crispy fried chicken tenders are placed side by side, covered in a glossy, dark reddish-brown sauce with a slightly sticky texture and garnished with fresh green herb leaves. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a green leafy background softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 chicken strips according to the package directions, or prepare your own homemade strips. Set aside once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the spiral noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, combine honey, 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 together with the heavy cream over medium heat.
Step 5: Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses to the butter and cream mixture, stirring well after each addition until melted and smooth. Stir in the minced garlic until incorporated.
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. Stir in the crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
Step 8: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, coating it well, and place aside.
Step 9: To serve, scoop the mac and cheese onto plates or into bowls. Top with the honey pepper coated chicken strips, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and additional bacon if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try using homemade breaded chicken strips instead of store-bought.
Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level of the honey pepper sauce.
If you prefer, substitute spiral noodles with elbow macaroni or cavatappi for a fun twist.
Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother, creamier sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The chicken is best added fresh or reheated separately to maintain its crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese at the bottom layer, which is pale yellow with a smooth texture and small pieces of crispy bacon and chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. Sitting on the macaroni are three golden-brown, crispy fried chicken strips coated in a shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce with a slightly sticky look. Some green herbs are garnished on the fried chicken, adding a fresh color contrast. The background features a white marbled surface with some blurred green leaves in the very back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with sharp cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. Just keep the total cheese amount similar to maintain the creamy texture.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken strips separately?

Yes, cooking the chicken strips separately ensures they stay crispy and do not get soggy in the pasta. Dipping them in the honey pepper sauce just before serving gives that perfect flavor coating.