If you love comfort food with a twist, wait until you try this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe—a delightful adventure where creamy, cheesy pasta meets sweet and spicy glazed chicken strips. This dish transforms classic mac and cheese into a celebration of flavors and textures, combining crispy breaded chicken coated in a luscious honey pepper sauce with a trio of melty cheeses and crispy bacon crumbles. It’s the perfect meal to gather your loved ones around and watch everyone dig in with happy smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack bold flavors. Each item plays a key role in building that irresistible creamy, sweet, and savory profile that will have you craving seconds.
- Spiral noodles (16 ounces): Their twists trap cheese sauce perfectly for every bite.
- Breaded chicken strips (25 ounces): Crispy and tender, they add a satisfying crunch to contrast the creamy pasta.
- Bacon (5 slices), cooked and crumbled: Sprinkles of smoky goodness bring another flavor layer.
- Salt and pepper: Essentials to season every component just right.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant, fresh garnish to brighten the dish.
- Honey (3/4 cup): Sweetness that balances the peppery punch in the sauce.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds caramel notes to deepen the glaze.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons, low sodium): Adds umami and a bit of savoriness.
- Pineapple juice (1/4 cup): Brings a tropical tang to complement the honey.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Adds brightness and acidity to cut through richness.
- Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness with a subtle bite.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): For that signature spicy kick.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth without overpowering.
- Butter (1 stick): The base that makes the cheese sauce luscious.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Gives the sauce a silky smooth texture.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Sharp and nutty addition to the cheese blend.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, freshly shredded): Melts beautifully for that gooey stretch.
- Colby Jack cheese (3/4 cup, freshly shredded): Creamy with a mild flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced): Adds a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
- Chopped fresh basil: Stirred in for a fresh herbaceous note.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Strips
Start by cooking the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions — baking or frying works perfectly. You’ll want them nice and crispy because that crunch is the perfect foil to the creamy Mac and Cheese. Once cooked, set them aside to rest while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral noodles until al dente. These spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is packed with cheesy goodness. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
This sauce is the star that turns the chicken into unforgettable bites. Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Bring it up to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly and all the flavors meld into a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze. Allow it to cool before dipping your cooked chicken.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat, then pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring constantly so the sauce becomes ultra smooth and creamy. Toss in the minced garlic, and season lightly with salt and pepper—this rich sauce is what makes the mac and cheese irresistibly silky and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Bacon
Add the cooked pasta to your luscious cheese sauce and fold in the crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch burst in every bite. This mixture is creamy, cheesy, and full of that great bacon flavor you know and love.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Honey Pepper Sauce
Now, here’s the fun part: dip each breaded chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated and glistening with that punchy glaze. This step gives the chicken a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy pasta underneath.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Serve up a generous scoop of the mac and cheese on each plate, then layer those honey pepper-glazed chicken strips on top. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon for a gorgeous, aromatic finishing touch that will have guests reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil adds a lovely herbal brightness and a pop of green color that livens up the plate. If you want to add some heat, a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully. A little extra crumbled bacon on top adds a satisfying crunch that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This dish is so hearty it can stand alone, but simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and lemon make a lovely light accompaniment that complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in small individual ramekins topped with a single honey pepper chicken strip for easy, elegant portions at dinner parties. You can also layer everything in a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top, and broil until golden to add a crispy top layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the chicken separate if possible to preserve its crispiness, then reheat everything together just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the breaded chicken may soften slightly. For best results, freeze the mac and cheese and honey pepper chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of milk or cream will revive the cheese sauce’s creamy texture. The honey pepper chicken is best warmed in the oven or air fryer to regain its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral noodles are perfect for holding onto sauce, elbow macaroni, penne, or shells also work wonderfully in this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the breaded chicken strips for gluten-free breaded chicken or simply grilled chicken tenders. Use gluten-free pasta to keep the entire dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I make the honey pepper sauce spicier?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.
What kind of cheese works best for the sauce?
A combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack creates a perfect melty, flavorful blend. Feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar or gouda for different twists.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make the honey pepper sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook and chop the bacon, and even prepare the cheese sauce up to a day before assembling everything for a quick final cook.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a joyful, satisfying meal that brings bold flavors and cozy comfort to your table. Whether it’s for weeknight family dinners or a crowd-pleasing weekend feast, it never fails to impress and delight. Give it a try and enjoy every decadent, flavorful bite—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Enhanced with crumbled bacon and fresh basil, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 1 (16 ounces) box spiral noodles
- 1 (25 ounces) bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh 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 (8 tablespoons)
- 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 (amount to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Prepare the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions, either baking or frying them until fully cooked and crispy. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently. Gradually add the shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the minced garlic along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to fully coat the noodles. Mix in the crumbled cooked bacon evenly throughout the pasta.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the cooled honey pepper sauce, ensuring each strip is fully coated and glazed with the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy pasta mixture, then arrange the honey pepper coated chicken strips on top. Garnish with additional fresh basil and extra crumbled bacon if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can bake or fry the breaded chicken strips depending on your preference or the package instructions.
- If you want extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper slightly in the honey pepper sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother cheese sauce.
- Leftover honey pepper sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheated gently.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
