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

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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