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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese provides that rare combination of comfort and excitement all in one meal. Creamy cheeses coat al dente spiral noodles while golden chicken strips get kissed by a bold honey pepper glaze. Crispy bacon offers crunch and a sprinkle of fresh basil brightens every forkful. This is the kind of dinner you crave at the end of a long day or when you want to spoil loved ones around the table.
I first made this for a Sunday family dinner when we all needed a little cheering up and nobody could believe how good it was. Nowadays my crew asks for it whenever comfort food is in order.
Ingredients
- Spiral noodles: look for a sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well Tri-color spirals add color and extra nutrition
- Breaded chicken strips: any brand works Make sure they bake up crispy for the best texture
- Bacon: smoky bacon adds crunch and depth Thick cut holds up especially well
- Salt and Pepper: these bring out the flavors in every layer Use fresh cracked pepper if possible
- Basil for garnish: fresh basil lifts the richness and adds a pop of green
- Honey: your main sweetener for the sauce Wildflower or clover honey is especially flavorful
- Light brown sugar: balances out the honey sweetness and helps the sauce thicken
- Soy sauce: low sodium makes sure the sauce is not overly salty
- Pineapple juice: use pure juice for a tangy and tropical note Canned works
- Lemon juice: brightens and cuts through the richness Go for fresh squeezed if possible
- Vinegar: gives the sauce a bit of bite Apple cider vinegar offers extra character
- Black pepper and cayenne pepper: the heat and the spice balance the honey beautifully Freshly ground gives better flavor
- Butter: the start of your cheese sauce Use unsalted for control over saltiness
- Heavy cream: makes the sauce ultra creamy and luxurious
- Parmesan cheese: for punchy sharpness Always shred fresh if you can
- Mozzarella and colby jack cheese: for that stretchy gooey melt Shred your own for smoother saucing
- Minced garlic: adds aroma and depth Fresh is worth it here
- Chopped basil: stirred in with the cheese highlights all the savory notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook your chosen breaded chicken strips according to package directions until crispy all through. This step is key for the best crunch. Set aside on a rack so they stay crisp.
- Boil the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in spiral noodles and cook until just al dente usually about eight minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Drain well but do not rinse.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- Combine honey brown sugar soy sauce pineapple juice lemon juice vinegar black pepper and cayenne in a medium saucepan. Set over medium heat stir and bring to a gentle boil. Lower to a simmer for about fifteen minutes until the sauce gets glossy and slightly thickened. Cool briefly to help it cling to the chicken.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium low heat. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until just steaming but not boiling. Add parmesan mozzarella and colby jack a handful at a time whisking as they melt in to create a silky sauce. Stir in minced garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper. Fold in chopped basil for extra freshness.
- Assemble the Pasta:
- Add drained noodles and three quarters of the crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Toss so each piece of pasta is completely coated and bacon is well distributed.
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Take your cooked chicken strips and either dip each piece directly into the cooled honey pepper sauce or drizzle sauce generously over the top to ensure every bite is coated.
- Plate and Garnish:
- Serve a mound of cheesy pasta on each plate. Top with honey pepper chicken slices sprinkle with remaining bacon and finish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy.
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One of my favorite parts of this dish is the honey pepper sauce it adds a bold glow to the crispy chicken and that combo has turned even the pickiest eater in my family into a fan After all nothing beats seeing everyone quietly smiling with their mouths full around the dinner table
Storage Tips
To store keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce will help prevent the pasta from drying out When reheating add a splash of milk or cream and cover loosely in the microwave for best results The chicken will lose some crispness but the flavor stays spot on
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten free noodles or breadcrumbs work perfectly if you need this dish to be gluten free Try swapping in grilled chicken for less breading or turkey bacon for a lighter option You can also mix up the cheese blend with sharp cheddar or monterey jack for a new twist
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Serving Suggestions
This mac and cheese stands alone as a full meal but feels especially fancy served with a simple green salad or steamed green beans It makes an easy crowd pleaser at potlucks too and pairs well with lemonade or iced tea on warm evenings
A Little History
Combining chicken with macaroni and cheese has roots in classic American comfort cooking The honey and pepper glaze draws inspiration from Southern kitchen traditions where balancing sweet and heat is an art Mac and cheese has always been about family gatherings so it is no surprise this dish brings people together
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of noodles can I use?
Spiral noodles hold the cheese sauce well, but you can substitute with penne, shells, or elbow macaroni based on preference.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and breaded chicken made with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for similar texture and flavor.
- → How do I get the chicken crispy?
Baking or frying the breaded chicken strips before tossing in honey pepper sauce ensures a crunchy coating that stands up well to the cheese sauce.
- → What cheeses work best for the sauce?
A blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that melts smoothly into the pasta.
- → Is the dish spicy?
The cayenne and black pepper in the honey sauce add mild heat, which can be adjusted to taste by increasing or reducing the amount used.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.