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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook spiral noodles until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add minced garlic to the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper. Stir to distribute flavors evenly.
- Fold cooked noodles into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta spiral is generously coated. Mix in crumbled bacon for an additional layer of flavor.
- Liberally coat each chicken strip in the prepared honey pepper sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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