Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

Rich and comforting this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese has all the makings of a favorite meal. Creamy cheese sauce hugs spiral noodles while golden chicken strips glazed in a sticky honey pepper sauce sit on top. A scatter of crisp bacon and fragrant basil brings it all together. This is a dish to gather round with family or to treat yourself after a long day.

Ingredients

• Spiral noodles: Choose a sturdy shape like rotini to hold the cheese sauce and create the best texture
• Breaded chicken strips: Look for a brand with a crisp coating and minimal fillers for the ultimate crunch when baked or fried
• Bacon: Adds smoky salty crunch that amplifies the cheese sauce flavor Choose thick cut and cook just until crisp
• Salt and pepper: Adds essential seasoning Taste and adjust for the perfect savory base
• Basil: Fresh basil brings a clean bright note and makes every serving pop A must for finishing
• Honey: Provides natural floral sweetness and helps the sauce cling to the chicken Use real honey for depth
• Light brown sugar: Boosts caramel flavor in the sauce Choose fresh moist sugar for easy mixing
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami backbone without overpowering the honey notes
• Pineapple juice: Lends fruitiness to balance out the richness and create a tropical dimension
• Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed brightens up the whole sauce and sharpens each bite
• Vinegar: Cuts the sweetness and intensifies the glaze Use apple cider or white vinegar for balance
• Black pepper: Brings warmth and heat as a grounding spice Always use freshly cracked
• Cayenne pepper: A hint of extra heat Just a pinch goes a long way
• Butter: Forms the base of the silky cheese sauce Choose unsalted for better control
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce extra luscious and velvety Seek out the highest fat content for richness
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty complexity Freshly shredded is best for a smooth melt
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings melty stretchy texture to the sauce Freshly shredded works best
• Colby jack cheese: Rounds out the cheese blend with creaminess and a bit of tang Use block cheese for best flavor
• Minced garlic: Infuses depth and a subtle kick Always use freshly minced for strongest flavor
• Fresh basil: Elevates flavor and adds color Save it for the very end so it stays bright

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the chicken strips according to the package choosing either baking for maximum crunch or frying for extra crispiness. Let them rest so the coating stays intact.

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil and add the spiral noodles. Cook until they are just al dente with a slight bite in the center. Drain well so the sauce will cling to the pasta.

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:

In a medium saucepan combine the honey brown sugar soy sauce pineapple juice lemon juice vinegar black pepper and cayenne pepper. Whisk them together and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook down for about fifteen minutes until it thickens slightly and turns glossy. Let the sauce cool briefly so it thickens a bit more.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and let it heat gently until just steaming. Add parmesan cheese stirring until melted then follow with mozzarella and colby jack adding a handful at a time so the sauce stays velvety. Stir in the minced garlic and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Fold the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce making sure every piece is coated. Scatter in the crumbled bacon and toss everything again until mixed.

Glaze the Chicken:

Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce turning it to coat every surface well. Let any extra sauce drip back into the pan.

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon the cheesy pasta onto plates or into bowls. Top each portion with honey pepper glazed chicken strips and garnish with more bacon crumbles if you want a smoky finish. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves just before serving.

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Every time I use good quality parmesan I am reminded of my grandma who insisted on using the real stuff It melts like a dream and brings a savory punch that always transports me back to her cozy kitchen

Storage Tips

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For the chicken strips keep them separate so they stay crisp. If reheating use a skillet with a splash of cream to revive the sauce and add the chicken strips just before serving so their coating stays crunchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap spiral noodles for shells penne or fusilli if preferred. For a gluten free version use your favorite gluten free pasta and chicken strips. Turkey bacon works in place of pork bacon for a lower fat option. If you do not have colby jack cheese use cheddar for a familiar taste.

Serving Suggestions

This rich dish shines alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For extra comfort serve with buttery roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade makes a classic pairing to balance the spice.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together American comfort classics in one bowl. Fried chicken glazed with honey and pepper has roots in southern cooking while creamy mac and cheese is a staple of American home kitchens. The sweet spicy glaze and cheese sauce show off the joy of fusion dishes loved at potlucks and family gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Breaded chicken strips are ideal, baked or fried until crispy before coating in the honey pepper sauce.

→ How can I ensure the pasta stays creamy?

Combine freshly cooked noodles immediately with the cheese sauce so the pasta absorbs maximum flavor and remains luscious.

→ Is there a way to adjust the spice level?

Yes, use less cayenne pepper for a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat in the honey pepper sauce.

→ Which cheeses are used for the sauce?

The sauce blends parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese for creaminess and depth in flavor.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Yes, prepare components and assemble just before serving for best texture—reheat gently to avoid drying out.

→ What garnishes pair well?

Fresh basil and crumbled bacon enhance both flavor and presentation, adding freshness and a savory crunch.