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This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together rich cheesy pasta and crispy chicken for a cozy dinner that satisfies every craving. The honey pepper glaze adds a bold sweet-spicy kick while bacon crumbles and fresh basil create perfect finishing touches. Whether you are gathering with family or looking for a comforting indulgence this creamy dish always delivers joy.
I first tried combining honey pepper chicken with mac and cheese on a whim after craving something new for a chilly weekend dinner. Now it is my go-to comfort food for rainy days or celebrations alike.
Ingredients
- Spiral noodles: for ultimate sauce cling and tender chew look for bronze cut pasta for quality
- Breaded chicken strips: convenient and crispier than making from scratch choose ones with a golden breading
- Bacon: cooked and crumbled for smoky crunch and saltiness thick-cut bacon works best for hearty pieces
- Salt and pepper: basic seasoning to enhance every layer freshly cracked pepper gives more punch
- Fresh basil: for garnish offers brightness and a hint of herbal depth opt for vibrant green leaves
- Honey: forms the sweet base of the glaze use pure honey for the cleanest flavor
- Light brown sugar: enhances the caramel notes and helps with sauce thickness pick moist sugar without clumps
- Soy sauce: low sodium keeps the sauce balanced and not too salty choose naturally brewed if possible
- Pineapple juice: adds fruitiness and tang seek out juice without added sugar for natural tartness
- Lemon juice: brightens the sauce and balances sweetness freshly squeezed is best
- Vinegar: gives acidity to cut through the richness use white wine or apple cider vinegar for subtlety
- Black pepper and cayenne: bring controlled heat fresh ground pepper and freshly opened cayenne taste best
- Butter: forms the base of the cheese sauce opt for real unsalted butter for creamy results
- Heavy cream: delivers a rich velvety texture check for cream with the fewest additives
- Parmesan cheese: for sharpness and complexity get a wedge to shred yourself for better melt and taste
- Mozzarella cheese: freshly shredded for stretchy gooey texture resist bagged pre-shredded for smoother sauce
- Colby jack cheese: adds mild creaminess freshly shredded melts beautifully
- Minced garlic: for flavor depth and warmth fresh cloves make a real difference
- Chopped fresh basil: mixed in for color lift and freshness use just-picked for aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Follow package directions to bake or fry breaded chicken strips until crispy and golden. Let them cool then slice or leave whole as desired. This step gives the chicken a crunchy exterior that holds up to the sauce.
- Boil the Pasta
- Cook spiral noodles in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. Al dente noodles will absorb the cheese sauce without getting mushy.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a saucepan whisk together honey light brown sugar soy sauce pineapple juice lemon juice vinegar black pepper and cayenne. Bring to a gentle boil then simmer over medium-low heat for about fifteen minutes until a bit thickened. Stir often so nothing burns. Let it cool slightly after simmering so it clings better to the chicken.
- Create the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and stir until well blended and just starting to bubble. On low heat gradually stir in parmesan then mozzarella then colby jack cheese making sure each melts in before adding the next. Add minced garlic and season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese
- Add cooked pasta directly to the cheese sauce. Toss thoroughly so every noodle gets well coated. Sprinkle in crumbled bacon for salty crunch and toss again.
- Sauce the Chicken
- Dip crispy cooked chicken strips in the cooled honey pepper glaze making sure every piece gets a thick even coating. You want a glossy finish.
- Plate and Garnish
- Spoon creamy bacon pasta onto plates or bowls. Top with sauced chicken strips. Finish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of bacon if you crave extra indulgence. Serve hot and enjoy the aroma and flavors that fill your kitchen.
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You Must Know
- This dish is packed with comforting flavor yet easy to adapt to gluten free diets
- Balanced sweet spicy and savory tastes provide a restaurant-level experience at home
- Great make-ahead option for meal prep as the parts can be kept separate then reheated
The honey pepper glaze makes every bite memorable and I always look forward to the way the basil finishes the dish with freshness. My family always gathers faster when this aroma fills the house and it is now part of our tradition for movie nights.
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Storage Tips
Store leftover mac and cheese and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Warm chicken strips in the oven or air fryer to restore their crunch before glazing again with a bit more sauce. Avoid microwaving the chicken as it will lose its crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten free pasta and gluten free breaded chicken strips work beautifully for anyone avoiding gluten. If colby jack is unavailable use extra mozzarella with a touch of shredded cheddar for color and creaminess. Turkey bacon can easily stand in for pork bacon to lighten things up but still gives smoky notes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted broccoli or asparagus make bright green sides that complement the cheesy pasta. For celebrations top with even more fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Cultural Context
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food with roots in both Southern and Italian cooking traditions. Adding honey pepper chicken brings in flavors from Southern barbecue and Asian-inspired sauces making this dish a fun fusion perfect for adventurous eaters and comfort food lovers alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the honey pepper sauce?
Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Simmer until it thickens slightly.
- → What's the best way to cook the chicken strips?
Follow the package instructions to bake or fry until the chicken strips are golden and crisp, then toss with honey pepper sauce for extra flavor.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. While spiral noodles work well, other short pasta like penne or shells can substitute and hold the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breaded chicken strips or coat your own chicken for a safe, delicious result.
- → How do I make the cheese sauce extra creamy?
Use a mix of heavy cream and butter, melting cheeses in gradually and stirring well for a smooth, velvety finish.
- → What garnishes pair well with this dish?
Fresh basil and extra crumbled bacon add flavor and color, while a light drizzle of honey enhances sweetness, if desired.