Try This Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this mouthwatering honey pepper chicken mac and cheese that brings unexpected flavor to a classic dish.

Bold spices dance with sweet honey, creating a remarkable fusion of tastes that will surprise you.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among creamy pasta, promising a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes this recipe stand out from ordinary comfort food.

The golden mac and cheese bubbles with rich cheese sauce, complemented by perfectly seasoned chicken.

Crispy edges and a glossy honey pepper glaze elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

What You Need for Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Chicken Strips: Juicy meat that brings hearty flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy pork that adds a salty crunch.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich and smooth sauce.

• Macaroni Noodles: Classic pasta perfect for mac and cheese.
• Honey: Sweet golden syrup that brings warmth to the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetener for extra richness.
• Soy Sauce: Salty Asian-inspired seasoning.
• Pineapple Juice: Tangy tropical liquid for sauce complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that adds zesty freshness.
• Vinegar: Tart liquid for balancing flavors.

• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spicy seasonings that give a kick.
• Garlic: Aromatic herb that enhances overall taste.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.

• Butter: Rich dairy that helps create smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base for silky cheese sauce.

• Fresh Basil: Green herb for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook chicken strips until fully done using your preferred method of baking or frying.

Let the cooked chicken rest while preparing other components.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Create Honey Pepper Glaze

• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and allow slight cooling.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Pour heavy cream and stir consistently.

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Colby Jack cheese

Stir after each cheese addition until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Merge Pasta and Cheese

Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Mix in crumbled bacon for additional flavor complexity.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Thoroughly coat each chicken strip in prepared honey pepper sauce, ensuring full and even coverage.

Step 7: Final Presentation

Transfer mac and cheese to serving plates.

Layer glazed chicken strips on top.

Optional garnish includes fresh basil and extra bacon crumbles.

Helpful Tips for Sweet & Spicy Mac

• Marinate chicken strips in half the honey pepper sauce before cooking to enhance deep, tangy taste profiles.
• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and create silky, uniform cheese sauce.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat – start with small amounts and taste before adding more for personalized spiciness.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking when mixed with hot cheese sauce, preventing mushy consistency.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.

How to Store Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping chicken and pasta separate to maintain texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Best Sides for Honey Pepper Mac

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, cutting through the richness of the creamy mac and cheese.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer that can stand up to the bold flavors of the honey pepper chicken while refreshing the palate with its carbonation.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a side of creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta and spicy chicken.
• Enhance with Pickled Jalapeños: Sprinkle chopped pickled jalapeños on top to add an extra layer of heat and acidity that will brighten the entire dish and complement the honey pepper sauce.

Fun Twists on Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni or rice noodles, ensuring the same creamy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with crispy tofu strips or grilled portobello mushrooms, marinated in the same honey pepper sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower mac instead of traditional pasta, cutting down on carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, cheesy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, creating a smooth sauce that caters to lactose-intolerant individuals without sacrificing taste.

FAQs

• What makes the honey pepper sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet honey, tangy pineapple juice, soy sauce, and a kick of black and cayenne pepper, creating a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control heat level. Remove it completely for a mild version or add more for extra spiciness.

• What cheese combination works best for the sauce?

The blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack provides a rich, creamy texture with depth of flavor. Each cheese contributes its unique characteristics to create a well-rounded cheese sauce.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare components separately and assemble when ready to eat. Store chicken, sauce, and mac and cheese separately in the refrigerator for easy reheating and quick assembly.

What Makes Honey Pepper Mac & Cheese Irresistible

• Create Exciting Flavor Combinations: Blend sweet honey pepper sauce with creamy mac and cheese for a taste adventure that surprises your taste buds with every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra proteins to make it perfectly suited to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious meal in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal option for busy families seeking a satisfying and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Elevate the classic mac and cheese with tangy honey pepper chicken, transforming a traditional dish into a gourmet experience that will impress both kids and adults at the dinner table.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets excitement in this honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, blending creamy pasta with spicy-sweet protein. Crispy chicken and melted cheese create a luxurious meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses, inviting you to savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 (25 ounces/709 grams) bag breaded chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Pasta:

• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) box spiral noodles

Seasonings and Garnish:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven or prepare skillet for cooking chicken strips, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked and golden brown, then set aside to rest and cool slightly.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until tender yet firm, then drain completely and set aside.
3. Create honey pepper sauce by combining honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Bring mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens and develops a glossy consistency, approximately 12-15 minutes.
4. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then gradually pour in heavy cream while continuously stirring. Slowly incorporate Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
5. Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated. Crumble bacon and gently mix into the mac and cheese for added texture and flavor.
6. Generously coat each chicken strip in prepared honey pepper sauce, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
7. Arrange mac and cheese on serving plates, strategically placing honey pepper chicken strips on top. Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and additional crispy bacon crumbles if desired.

Notes

• Avoid overboiling pasta to maintain perfect al dente texture, which prevents mushy mac and cheese.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more luxurious cheese sauce consistency.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and using tamari instead of soy sauce.
• For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg