Zesty Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe To Savor

Crafting a seriously delectable honey pepper chicken mac and cheese promises pure comfort on a plate.

Creamy pasta meets crispy, golden chicken in a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Unexpected spice and sweet notes intertwine, creating a dish that defies ordinary expectations.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Rich, cheesy goodness combines with perfectly seasoned chicken for a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Adventurous cooks and comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely fall in love with every single bite.

Ready to transform your mac and cheese game into something extraordinary?

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac: Sweet & Spicy Comfort

• Boost Flavor Explosions: Combine sweet honey pepper sauce with creamy cheese creates an incredible taste adventure that tantalizes your taste buds with every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delectable dish in minimal steps, perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra toppings like green onions or additional bacon for personalized enjoyment.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Punch: Breaded chicken strips glazed in honey pepper sauce provide a protein-rich centerpiece that makes this mac and cheese irresistibly delicious for kids and adults alike.

Honey Pepper Mac Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Strips: Breaded chicken that serves as the protein base for this dish.
• Bacon: Crispy pork addition that provides a salty and rich flavor accent.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese: Combination of cheeses that creates a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce.

• Honey: Sweetener that provides a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami element to the sauce.
• Pineapple Juice: Offers a subtle tropical tang to balance the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, acidic notes to enhance the overall flavor.
• Vinegar: Provides additional tanginess and helps balance the sweetness.
• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that contribute heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Spiral Noodles: Pasta shape that helps capture the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps bind the cheese sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic that adds aromatic depth to the cheese sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to adjust and balance the overall taste.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a fresh herbal note.

Whip Up Honey Pepper Mac Easily

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken Strips

Follow the packaging guidelines to bake or fry the breaded chicken strips until golden and crispy.

Once perfectly cooked, set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add the spiral noodles and cook according to package instructions until they reach that ideal al dente texture.

Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Honey Pepper Sauce

• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Watch the sauce transform and thicken for about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Pour in heavy cream and stir smoothly.

• Parmesan
• Mozzarella
• Colby Jack

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a velvety sauce.

Toss in minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 5: Marry Pasta And Cheese

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a luxurious coating.

Sprinkle in crumbled bacon for an extra flavor punch.

Step 6: Glaze Chicken Strips

Dunk each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, rotating to ensure a complete and even glaze.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Spread the cheesy pasta on plates, crown with the honey-glazed chicken strips.

Optional: Scatter fresh basil leaves on top and add an extra sprinkle of crumbled bacon for ultimate indulgence.

Tips for Super Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Dip chicken strips completely in honey pepper sauce for maximum flavor infusion and even coating.
• Gradually add cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping and create a silky, creamy texture.
• Cook noodles al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture when mixed with cheese sauce.
• Crumble bacon fresh for added crunch and smoky flavor that elevates the overall dish's taste profile.
• Sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal touch that cuts through the richness of cheese and honey pepper sauce.

Mac and Cheese Variations You’ll Love

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Mac: Replace honey pepper sauce with chipotle peppers, chili powder, and adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy Mexican-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Mac: Swap breaded chicken strips with grilled chicken, use gluten-free pasta, and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Mac: Substitute honey pepper sauce with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and za'atar spice mix. Use feta cheese instead of Colby Jack for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Mac: Replace chicken with crispy roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use nutritional yeast in cheese sauce for added protein and cheesy flavor.

Serving Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

• Tropical Twist Feast: Drizzle extra honey pepper sauce over the mac and cheese for a sweet-spicy kick that brings tropical vibes to your dinner plate.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Sprinkle additional crispy bacon bits on top to add a crunchy texture and smoky flavor that complements the honey pepper chicken perfectly.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Chop fresh basil or green onions over the dish to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the rich cheese and adds a pop of color.
• Side Companion Delight: Serve with a light cucumber salad or crisp coleslaw to balance the richness of the mac and cheese and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken.

How to Store Leftover Mac Bliss

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and mac and cheese to prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place mac and cheese in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Warm chicken separately to maintain crispy coating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mac and cheese in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes. Place chicken on baking sheet, reheat for 5-7 minutes to crisp up exterior.

FAQs

• What makes the honey pepper sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet honey, brown sugar, tangy pineapple juice, and sharp black and cayenne pepper for a complex flavor profile that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and zesty notes.

• Can I use different types of cheese for the mac and cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, you can experiment with cheddar, gouda, or fontina to create your own cheesy variation.

• Is the honey pepper sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level from black and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness according to your preference.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese brings southern comfort to dinner tables with unexpected sweet and spicy layers. Cheesy pasta topped with crispy chicken creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 16 ounces (453.6 grams) box spiral noodles
• 1 25 ounces (709 grams) bag breaded chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 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

Additional Ingredients:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions, either baking or frying until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Boil water in a large pot and cook spiral noodles until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
3. Create the vibrant honey pepper sauce by combining honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Heat mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy consistency.
4. In a separate large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream and whisk smoothly. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes velvety and completely melted.
5. Add minced garlic to the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Fold cooked noodles into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta spiral is generously coated. Mix in crumbled bacon for an additional layer of flavor.
7. Liberally coat each chicken strip in the prepared honey pepper sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Arrange cheesy pasta on serving plates, strategically place honey pepper chicken strips on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a final touch of elegance.

Notes

• Customize Chicken Choice swap breaded chicken strips with grilled, baked, or air-fried chicken for healthier protein options.
• Control Spice Level adjust cayenne and black pepper quantities to match personal heat tolerance, creating a milder or spicier sauce.
• Cheese Flexibility experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gouda, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation use gluten-free pasta and breading to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 637 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 462 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg