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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Perfect Fusion of Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy Flavors

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Some dishes bring comfort, and some bring excitement—this one does both! This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy, honey-glazed chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. The touch of spice and crunch of bacon take it over the top! Whether it’s a family dinner or a special treat, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and let your taste buds dance!

Ingredients

Scale

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, for garnish

For the honey pepper sauce:

  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For the cheese sauce:

  • 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the chicken:

  • Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions (bake or fry). Set aside once cooked.

2️⃣ Cook the pasta:

  • Boil the spiral noodles in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the honey pepper sauce:

  • In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4️⃣ Prepare the cheese sauce:

  • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Combine the pasta and cheese sauce:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat. Mix in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

6️⃣ Coat the chicken strips:

  • Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.

7️⃣ Assemble the dish:

  • Serve the creamy mac and cheese on a plate, then top with the honey pepper-glazed chicken strips.
  • Garnish with chopped basil and additional bacon if desired.

8️⃣ Enjoy!

  • Dig into this rich, flavorful dish and savor every bite!

Notes

  • Adjust the heat of the honey pepper sauce by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
  • Add extra toppings like green onions, crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of extra honey for more flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheeses.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.swedishinarabic.net/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-a-perfect-fusion-of-sweet-spicy-and-creamy-flavors/