If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a big, comforting hug, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese could be your new favorite go-to. This delightful dish combines crispy chicken off-the-charts with cheesy, honey-pepper goodness that will have your taste buds singing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Cheesy: The ideal combination of crispy chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta will win your heart over.
- Sweet and Spicy Fusion: The honey pepper sauce offers a delightful balance between sweet flavors and just the right kick of spice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, making everyone smile with every bite.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit various preferences or dietary needs, you can tailor this recipe to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese doesn’t require a long shopping list. With a few essentials, each ingredient plays a pivotal role in making this dish a masterpiece of flavors and textures.
- Spiral noodles: These hold the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Breaded chicken strips: Opt for crispy ones; they add the perfect crunch.
- Bacon: Adds an extra savory depth that complements the sweetness of the honey sauce.
Variations
One of the best things about Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is its ability to transform. Feel free to get creative and make it your own, depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli instead.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Bake or deep-fry your breaded chicken strips according to the package directions. You can also prepare your own breaded chicken if you’d like to keep things homemade. Once cooked, set them aside, ready for their delicious honey pepper glaze.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, get your spiral noodles boiling. Aim for a perfect al dente—this helps prevent them from turning mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan, mix all sauce ingredients: honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens beautifully. This sauce is the dazzling crown of our mac and cheese.
Step 4: Craft the Cheese Sauce
In a large pan, melt butter with cream. Gradually add your shredded cheeses, stirring until each one melts into creamy goodness. Add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Final Assembly
Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add the crumbled bacon, stirring it gently through the cheesy pasta. Dip each chicken strip in the honey pepper sauce and lay it atop your dish.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cheese Freshness: Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and creamy texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Keep an eye on the honey pepper sauce; letting it simmer too long can make it too thick.
- Chicken Crunch: Bread your chicken fresh or use high-quality store varieties to keep it crunchy under the sauce.
- Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds an irresistible pop of freshness and color.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Top your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with extra crumbled bacon and a handful of fresh basil or parsley. Not only does it add a vibrant splash of color, but these add-ons also bring extra flavor dimensions.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this dish with a crisp, green salad or lightly roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A citrus vinaigrette can refresh the palate between the creamy bites of mac and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, communal feel, or present individual servings on large white plates. Either way, the golden, crispy chicken against the cheesy background is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the mac and cheese is thoroughly cooled before sealing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored this way for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk for creaminess if needed during reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, absolutely! While spiral noodles work well because they hold the sauce efficiently, you can substitute them with penne or macaroni for a similar experience.
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Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Indeed! Opt for gluten-free pasta and breaded chicken. Ensure all spice mixes and sauces used are certified gluten-free.
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What can I use if I don’t have pineapple juice?
If pineapple juice isn’t available, apple juice or orange juice can serve as a good substitute, providing a similarly sweet, fruity hint to the sauce.
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How can I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure to add cheese one type at a time and stir continuously over low heat to prevent the cheeses from clumping or separating, creating a smooth, silky sauce.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen! It’s a dish that brings smiles to our dinner table every time. Remember, the heart of a good dish is sharing it with loved ones. Bon appétit!
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Simmering, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines crispy breaded chicken strips coated in sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with creamy cheese sauce and al dente pasta, creating a flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips
1 16 oz box spiral noodles
1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips
5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Salt and Pepper
Basil
Honey Pepper Sauce
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 Tbs soy sauce, low sodium
1/4 cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tbs vinegar (apple cider or white)
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Cheese Sauce
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Bake or deep fry the chicken strips according to the package instructions until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Honey Pepper Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter and heavy cream together over medium heat. Once melted, add shredded cheeses one at a time, stirring until each is fully incorporated. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Mix in crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until coated. Set aside.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cheesy pasta and top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with chopped basil and additional bacon if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- You can bake the chicken strips yourself for a homemade touch.
- Reheat gently to prevent cheese sauce from breaking.
- Use fresh basil for a more vibrant flavor upgrade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 1350 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
