Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
his Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of creamy cheesy pasta and crispy chicken, with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce that adds depth to every bite. With crispy bacon and a touch of basil, it's a heartwarming dish for family dinners or a comforting indulgence when you need it.
Ingredients
- For the Mac and Cheese
- 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 for garnish
- For the Honey Pepper Sauce
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the chicken strips according to the package instructions, either baking or frying. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
- Cook the Noodles
- Boil the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually stir in the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, adding each cheese one at a time. Add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Mix the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, stirring until well-coated. Add crumbled bacon to the mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Coat the Chicken
- Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish
- Plate the cheesy pasta mixture and top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional bacon if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, comforting Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!