Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a dish that perfectly balances the creaminess of classic mac and cheese with a unique, sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce. With its crispy breaded chicken, smoky bacon, and a rich cheese sauce that clings to spiral noodles, this recipe creates an unforgettable experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for comfort food with a twist!
Why We Love This Recipe
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines familiar and well-loved flavors with an added depth. The honey pepper sauce is a perfect blend of sweetness from honey and brown sugar, balanced by the tanginess of pineapple juice and lemon. The cayenne pepper adds a gentle kick, while the cheese sauce is creamy, smooth, and rich with a delightful blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses. Not only is this recipe mouthwatering, but it’s also easy to make, making it an ideal choice for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounces) box spiral noodles
- 1 (25 ounces) bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
- 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 minced garlic
- Fresh basil, chopped
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
- Cook the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked and crispy, let them cool slightly, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Place it on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble it and set aside for topping.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together.
- Lower the heat slightly and let the sauce thicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once thickened, set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the stick of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add the shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses. Stir until all the cheese has melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the sauce is thick and creamy, remove it from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- In a large serving bowl or baking dish, combine the cooked noodles and cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are well coated.
- Add the chopped chicken strips and crumbled bacon, then pour the honey pepper sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together gently.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Success Tips
- Cheese Choice: Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and makes the cheese sauce creamier. Using pre-shredded cheese can result in a grainy sauce due to added anti-caking agents.
- Balancing Sauce Flavor: Taste the honey pepper sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness, tang, or spice to your liking. You can add a bit more cayenne for extra heat or lemon juice for more tang.
- Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become too soft once it’s mixed with the sauce. This keeps the mac and cheese from getting mushy.
- Timing the Chicken: Bake or fry the chicken strips until they’re golden and crispy, ensuring they add texture to the creamy pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can be frozen, but for the best texture, it’s best to consume it fresh. If freezing, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce for extra heat.
- Using Different Pasta: This dish works with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi. Choose a shape that holds the sauce well.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken strips for grilled chicken breast or even shrimp to vary the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 750 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While spiral noodles are recommended for this recipe, feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well for the best results.
Q: Is it possible to make the honey pepper sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the honey pepper sauce up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it on the stove before adding it to the pasta.
Q: What can I use instead of bacon?
A: If you prefer a bacon-free version, you can leave it out or replace it with turkey bacon or pancetta for a similar taste and texture.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the breaded chicken strips and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one comforting dish. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and a unique honey pepper sauce, this recipe is sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require complicated ingredients or steps.
So next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, give this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese a try. With its easy-to-follow recipe and mouthwatering flavors, you’ll find it’s a dish that brings everyone around the table for seconds. Enjoy!