Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Whipping up a honey pepper chicken mac and cheese transforms ordinary comfort food into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Creamy pasta meets zesty protein in a dish that promises pure deliciousness.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this recipe stand out from traditional mac and cheese preparations.

Sharp cheddar blends seamlessly with sweet honey and spicy pepper notes.

Each bite delivers a complex taste profile that will surprise you.

The golden-brown chicken creates a perfect crispy topping for the rich, cheesy base.

You won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering combination of savory and sweet elements.

Dive into this irresistible meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Is Sweet, Savory, And Creamy

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform ordinary mac and cheese into an exciting meal that kids and adults will love with sweet and tangy honey pepper chicken.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Enjoy a gourmet-style dish that combines classic mac and cheese with bold, restaurant-inspired honey pepper chicken flavors right from your kitchen.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare a complete dinner with protein, pasta, and incredible flavor in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

What Goes Into Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that forms the protein base of the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy pork addition that provides extra flavor and crunch.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that helps create a smooth texture.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Mild cheese that blends well with other cheeses.

• Spiral Noodles: Pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides interesting texture.

• Honey, Brown Sugar: Sweet elements that create a rich, caramelized flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Vinegar: Liquid ingredients that balance and enhance the sauce's complexity.

• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add heat and warmth to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Herb that provides a fresh, aromatic garnish.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Rich ingredients that create a luxurious and creamy sauce.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to the cheese sauce.
• Salt: Seasoning that balances and highlights other flavors.

How To Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Crisp Up the Chicken

Cook chicken strips following package guidelines. Select baking or frying method for enhanced crunchiness.

Once fully cooked, set chicken aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook spiral noodles in salted water until tender.

Drain completely and reserve for later assembly.

Step 3: Craft Spicy Honey Glaze

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

Bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and develops rich flavor. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Colby Jack cheese

Stir until smooth and fully melted.

Mix in minced garlic, salt, and pepper for enhanced taste.

Step 5: Blend Pasta and Cheese

Thoroughly coat cooked noodles with cheese sauce.

Fold in crumbled bacon for additional depth of flavor.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Generously dip each chicken strip into spicy honey glaze, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Arrange cheesy pasta on serving plates. Top with glazed chicken strips.

Sprinkle fresh basil and extra bacon crumbles for final touch.

Helpful Tips For Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Opt for crispy chicken strips by baking or frying them to achieve a delightful texture that complements the creamy mac and cheese.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or gouda to customize the cheese sauce's flavor profile and richness.
• Balance the honey pepper sauce's sweetness by adjusting the black and cayenne pepper levels to match your spice tolerance.
• Save time by preparing the honey pepper sauce and cheese sauce simultaneously to streamline the cooking process.
• Consider using gluten-free noodles and low-sodium soy sauce for a more diet-friendly version of this indulgent dish.

Tasty Ways To Change Up Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Mac: Replace honey pepper sauce with chipotle and adobo sauce, add roasted corn and black beans to mac and cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Mac: Swap honey pepper sauce for a lemon-oregano marinade, incorporate feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into the mac and cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Asian Sesame Chicken Mac: Modify honey pepper sauce with sesame oil, ginger, and rice vinegar, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top for an Asian-inspired version.
• Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Mac: Replace honey pepper sauce with buffalo hot sauce, mix blue cheese crumbles into mac and cheese, garnish with crispy celery bits for a classic buffalo wing experience.

Top Pairings For Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Pair Spicy-Sweet Chicken Mac with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich cheese and complements the honey pepper sauce's tangy kick.
• Refresh with Citrus-Infused Craft Beer: A hoppy, citrusy IPA balances the creamy mac and cheese while echoing the dish's bright pepper and honey notes.
• Cool Down with Tangy Apple Cider: A chilled hard apple cider provides a sweet-tart contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the decadent pasta.
• Balance Flavors with Sparkling Rosé: A light, bubbly rosé wine offers a delicate acidity that lightens the heavy cheese sauce and enhances the chicken's sweet-spicy glaze.

How To Store Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta are completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheat: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the dish is steaming hot.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour pasta into a skillet with a splash of milk or cream. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese FAQs Answered

• How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?

The sauce combines honey’s sweetness with a mild kick from black and cayenne pepper, creating a balanced heat that’s not overwhelming.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheeses with similar melting varieties like cheddar, gouda, or provolone while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The honey pepper sauce is mildly spiced, and the cheesy mac makes it appealing to children while offering a fun flavor twist.

• What makes the chicken extra crispy?

Baking or frying the chicken strips before coating them in honey pepper sauce ensures a crunchy exterior that complements the creamy mac and cheese.

Honey-Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy mac and cheese meets spicy honey pepper chicken in this irresistible comfort food fusion. Crispy seasoned chicken nestled over cheesy pasta delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 25 ounces (708 grams) breaded chicken strips, cooked (baked or fried)
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Pasta and Base:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) spiral noodles
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2–3 cloves minced garlic

Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 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
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven or prepare skillet for chicken strips, cooking according to package recommendations until golden and crisp at 375°F (190°C). Reserve cooked chicken to the side.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil and cook spiral noodles until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly 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. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Craft cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Pour heavy cream and gradually incorporate Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, whisking until completely smooth. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Fold cooked noodles into cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Crumble bacon and integrate throughout the pasta mixture.
6. Generously coat each chicken strip in prepared honey pepper sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Assemble dish by layering cheesy pasta on plate, arranging sauced chicken strips on top. Garnish with fresh basil and optional additional bacon crumbles.

Notes

• Customize Chicken: Opt for grilled, air-fried, or rotisserie chicken as healthier alternatives to enhance nutritional value.
• Spice Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to manage heat level, catering to different spice tolerances.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Dietary Modifications: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based alternatives for lighter, lactose-free versions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg