Quick & Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Recipe That Sizzles

Comfort meets excitement in this irresistible honey pepper chicken mac that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy pasta and crispy chicken create a symphony of flavors guaranteed to impress.

The sweet and spicy combination elevates this classic dish into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken pieces glazed with golden honey and zesty pepper deliver a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of rich, savory notes and subtle heat.

Bold seasonings and a quick preparation make this recipe a weeknight winner.

Prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing meal that turns an ordinary dinner into a culinary celebration.

Creative Variations for Mac and Cheese Dish

• Spicy Southwest Swap: Replace honey with chipotle sauce, add cumin and chili powder for a bold, smoky flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, keeping the honey pepper glaze intact.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free pasta and swap regular flour with cornstarch in the honey sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Style: Trade bacon for crumbled feta, use olive oil instead of butter, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired mac and cheese.

Serving Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Comfort Food Feast: Serve this creamy mac and cheese with honey glazed chicken alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Brunch Twist: Transform the dish into a hearty breakfast by adding a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chives on top for extra flavor and protein.
• Game Day Appetizer: Convert the recipe into bite-sized mac and cheese cups topped with chicken pieces for a crowd-pleasing party snack that's easy to grab and enjoy.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat the mac and cheese in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and add extra crispy bacon crumbles for renewed texture and taste.

Storing Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The honey glazed chicken maintains its best texture when kept separate from the pasta.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy cheese sauce's consistency.
• Warm the mac and cheese in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Add the honey chicken just before serving to prevent soggy texture and maintain its glazed coating.
• When storing, place the cheese sauce and chicken in different compartments to keep the mac and cheese fresh and prevent the sauce from breaking down or becoming watery.

FAQs

• What makes the honey sauce special?

A blend of honey, pepper, and seasonings creates a sweet and spicy glaze that perfectly coats the chicken for a flavor-packed punch.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar and monterey jack with gruyere, gouda, or parmesan to customize the cheese sauce’s flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The pepper in the honey sauce provides a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount of black pepper or add red pepper flakes to increase heat level.

• What protein alternatives work well?

Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey strips, or tofu for a different protein option that still complements the creamy mac and cheese base.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Highlights

• Whip Up Comfort: A delightful twist on classic mac and cheese that elevates comfort food with sweet and savory honey-glazed chicken.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for quick protein swap or bacon addition, making it perfect for personalizing to family preferences.
• Speed Through Dinner: Simple step-by-step process lets you create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-friendly mac and cheese with grown-up flavor profile of honey-pepper chicken, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Ingredients in Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that provides a protein-packed base for the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a smoky and salty flavor to the mac and cheese.

• Pasta: The classic comfort food foundation that holds the creamy sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and melty cheeses that create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

• Honey, Black Pepper: Sweet and spicy combination that creates a delightful glaze for the chicken.
• Butter, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that help build a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Basil: Fresh herb that provides a bright, finishing touch to the mac and cheese.

Steps to Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Pasta

Cook chicken strips following package instructions.

Simultaneously, boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

• Chicken strips
• Pasta
• Salt (for pasta water)

Step 2: Create Honey Glaze

In a saucepan, combine honey sauce ingredients.

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

• Honey
• Additional sauce ingredients (such as soy sauce, garlic, or red pepper flakes)

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat.

Pour in heavy cream and stir.

Gradually add shredded cheeses and minced garlic, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheeses (cheddar, monterey jack)
• Minced garlic

Step 4: Merge Flavors

Gently fold pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated.

Toss crispy bacon pieces into the mixture.

Brush chicken strips with the prepared honey glaze, creating a sweet and sticky coating.

• Cheese-coated pasta
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Honey-glazed chicken strips

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Arrange cheese-coated pasta on serving plates.

Top with honey-glazed chicken strips.

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish.

Add extra crispy bacon bits for additional crunch and flavor.

Tips for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Crisp bacon adds a delightful smoky crunch and elevates the overall taste of the mac and cheese.
• Simmer the sauce slowly to achieve the perfect consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Gradually add cheese to the warm cream base and stir constantly for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Experiment with different pepper types like cayenne or smoked paprika to customize the heat level of your honey glaze.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch to thicken the honey sauce for celiac-friendly meal.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet honey pepper chicken mac elevates comfort food with a delightful twist of bold flavors. Creamy pasta meets crispy chicken in this irresistible dish that promises to satisfy cravings and spark joy at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 25 ounces (708.75 grams) breaded chicken strips
• 16 ounces (454 grams) spiral noodles
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) honey
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 stick (113 grams) butter
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) colby jack cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken strips as directed on packaging, ensuring even cooking for optimal tenderness.
2. Create honey glaze by combining sauce ingredients in a saucepan, bringing to a rolling boil then reducing heat to simmer for approximately 15 minutes until consistency thickens and develops rich flavor profile.
3. Craft creamy cheese sauce by gently melting butter with cream, gradually incorporating cheeses and minced garlic, stirring continuously until achieving smooth, velvety texture.
4. Combine cooked pasta with prepared cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is thoroughly coated, then integrate crispy bacon pieces throughout the mixture.
5. Drizzle warm honey glaze over cooked chicken strips, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
6. Plate the cheesy pasta as foundation, strategically arrange glazed chicken strips on top, garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional additional crispy bacon crumbles for enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in honey sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste infusion.
• Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add nutty undertones to the dish.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting black pepper or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Prepare gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking honey sauce ingredients for potential gluten sources.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg