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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is like a warm hug in a bowl. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, topped with crunchy bacon and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a comforting indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish

  • 16 oz (1 box) spiral noodles
  • 25 oz breaded chicken strips (store-bought or homemade)
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Honey Pepper Sauce

  • ¾ cup honey
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Cheese Sauce

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
  • ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken
    • Bake or fry the chicken strips according to package instructions. Set aside.
  2. Boil the Pasta
    • Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
    • In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
    • Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
    • Add heavy cream and stir well.
    • Gradually mix in parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack until fully melted.
    • Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta & Cheese Sauce
    • Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce until fully coated.
    • Stir in half of the crumbled bacon.
  6. Coat the Chicken
    • Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring full coverage.
  7. Assemble & Serve
    • Plate the mac and cheese, top with honey pepper chicken strips.
    • Garnish with remaining bacon, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra sauce if desired.

Notes

✅ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken.
✅ Extra Spicy? Increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
✅ Crispier Chicken: Air-fry or pan-fry for extra crunch.
✅ Make Ahead: Prepare the honey pepper sauce in advance and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.swedishinarabic.net/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/