If you’re searching for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new favorite, look no further. This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines savory, crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, nestled on creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s every bit as delightful as it sounds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory and Sweet Combo: The combination of sweet honey and spicy black pepper creates a sauce that’s beautifully balanced.
- Comfort Food Heaven: Creamy, cheesy pasta meets crisp chicken strips for the ultimate comfort experience.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this gourmet-tasting dish in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese comes together with straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create a rich and comforting dish. Each plays its part in not just taste but texture and color, transforming the meal into a cornucopia of flavors.
- Spiral Noodles: These hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is rich and cheesy.
- Breaded Chicken Strips: They add protein and a delightful crunch when coated with the sauce.
- Bacon: Cooked to crispy perfection, it adds a smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: This creates the base for the sauce, offering a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pepper.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Using different types ensures a gooey, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
Variations
Feel free to put your personal spin on this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese! The recipe is incredibly flexible and there’s plenty of room to adapt it to your taste buds. You can easily make substitutions or additions based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
- Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and chicken tenders to accommodate dietary needs.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Pasta
Begin by baking or deep-frying the chicken strips according to the package instructions, or make them from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious. While the chicken cooks, boil your spiral pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat, simmering for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly while you occasionally stir.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
In another large pan, melt butter and mix it with heavy cream over medium heat. Gradually add the cheeses one by one, stirring continuously, and then add the minced garlic. Once everything is nicely melted, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Toss your cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Stir in crumbled bacon, and then dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce. Place the saucy chicken on top of the pasta, and garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Perfectly Coated Chicken: To ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce, make sure it’s still warm and not directly from the fridge.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: Slowly add the cheese to the hot cream for a smooth, emulsified result that sticks to the pasta.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the honey pepper sauce while cooling to adjust sweetness and heat to your preference with more lemon or cayenne.
- Herbaceous Finish: Fresh basil doesn’t just make a pretty garnish—it enhances the overall flavor, so don’t skip it!
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens the dish with a touch of herbal freshness. For an added visual and flavor boost, a sprinkle of shredded parmesan can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This rich dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp salad to balance the creaminess. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the flavors perfectly. Alternatively, some roasted green beans or sautéed spinach are excellent choices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic, cozy presentation. You can also layer it up in a large casserole for a family-style setting, letting it become the centerpiece of the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll remain fresh for up to three days. Separate the chicken and pasta for easier reheating.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, avoid mixing the chicken with the sauce prior to freezing. Store chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the pasta with a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Warm the chicken separately for best texture, ideally refreshed in an oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While spiral noodles work best for holding the sauce, any pasta shape that captures sauce well, such as penne or rigatoni, will be delicious.
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Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cheese sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use non-dairy cheeses to make the sauce lactose-free.
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Can I make the honey pepper sauce spicier?
To add more spice, simply increase the amount of cayenne pepper or incorporate a hotter type of chili into the mix.
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What can I use instead of bacon?
If you’re not a fan of bacon, try using pancetta or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, smoked tempeh works great and maintains the dish’s smoky essence.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. With its luscious flavors and delightful textures, it’s a recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family. Dive right in and enjoy every creamy, crispy, and sweet-spicy bite!
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is an indulgent and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. Juicy breaded chicken strips are coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, then layered over creamy cheese sauce with pasta, crispy bacon, and fresh basil. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this dish combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for a truly irresistible experience.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (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 (white or apple cider)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) 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 garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make 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 to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter with heavy cream over medium heat. Once melted, gradually add shredded cheeses one at a time, stirring continuously until smooth and melted. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Toss cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat evenly. Add crumbled bacon and stir to combine.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until coated, then set aside.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy pasta, top with coated chicken strips, and garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional bacon if desired.
Notes
- You can make your own breaded chicken strips for a homemade touch.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for spice preference.
- Reheat leftovers gently to prevent cheese from curdling.
- For a healthier version, use baked chicken and reduce cheese or bacon quantities.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (roughly 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: fifty five grams
- Saturated Fat: 25 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 grams
- Trans Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
