Discover the perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe. The rich, cheesy pasta is paired with crispy, tender chicken strips and glazed in a sweet and tangy honey pepper sauce. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a unique, flavor-packed meal. Let’s dive into this irresistible comfort food that’s destined to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 3/4 cup Honey
- 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Black pepper
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1 stick Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 16-ounce box Spiral noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken and Garnish:
- 1 25-ounce bag Breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken : Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Once cooked, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce : In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Pasta :Boil the spiral noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce : In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add Colby Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Mac & Cheese : Mix the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Combine and Serve : Drizzle the honey pepper sauce over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Layer the mac and cheese in a serving dish and top with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with crumbled bacon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and chopped basil . Serve warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Conclusion
This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. The harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy pasta and the flavorful honey pepper glaze makes this dish truly unforgettable. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit with friends and family alike. Try it today and elevate your dinner table with this unique creation!
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese
A creamy mac and cheese dish topped with crispychicken strips glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, finished withfresh herbs for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 3/4 cup Honey
- 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Black pepper
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1 stick Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 16- ounce box Spiral noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken and Garnish:
- 1 25- ounce bag Breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken : Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Once cooked, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce : In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Pasta :Boil the spiral noodles in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce : In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add Colby Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Mac & Cheese : Mix the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Combine and Serve : Drizzle the honey pepper sauce over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Layer the mac and cheese in a serving dish and top with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with crumbled bacon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and chopped basil . Serve warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors!