Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its creamy, cheesy pasta intertwined with crispy chicken, this recipe creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. It’s ideal for family dinners or as a comforting indulgence after a long day. Each bite is enriched by crispy bacon bits and fresh basil, making it a unique addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, pepper, and cheese creates a rich flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese as the main course or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting ingredients, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and reheat for an effortless dinner option during hectic days.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling noodles quickly and efficiently.
- Saucepan: Perfect for simmering the honey pepper sauce until thickened.
- Mixing bowl: Helps in combining all ingredients smoothly without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures even mixing of cheese into the sauce, preventing lumps.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 16 ounces box spiral noodles
For the Chicken
- 1 25 ounces bag breaded chicken strips
For the Flavor
- 5 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Basil for garnish
For the Honey Pepper Sauce
- 3/4 c honey
- 1/4 c light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 c pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick butter
- 2 c heavy cream
- 1/2 c shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 c mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- 3/4 c colby jack cheese (freshly shredded)
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Prepare the chicken by following the instructions on the package. You can either bake or fry the chicken strips until they are golden brown. Once cooked, set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil water in a large pot. Cook the spiral noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them well once cooked.
Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Allow it to cool down.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in heavy cream to form a smooth sauce. Gradually stir in parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses one at a time until fully melted. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Add cooked noodles into the cheese sauce mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Don’t forget to fold in some crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Step 6: Coat Chicken Strips
Take your cooked chicken strips and dip each one into the prepared honey pepper sauce until they are thoroughly coated.
Step 7: Serve
Plate some of that creamy pasta mixture onto your serving dish. Top it with those flavorful honey pepper chicken strips you just prepared. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional bacon if desired.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Savor every bite of your mouthwatering Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serving Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can elevate your dining experience. The blend of creamy cheese and crispy chicken pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some delightful serving ideas.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine and creamy dressing complements the savory flavors.
Add a Bread Option
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up extra cheese sauce.
Garnish Creatively
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Additional bacon on top enhances flavor and crunch.
- Chopped Basil: Fresh basil elevates the dish, adding a burst of freshness.
Serve with a Beverage
- Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea can cleanse your palate between bites.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The citrus notes in lemonade enhance the sweetness of the honey pepper sauce.
How to Perfect Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
To make your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese truly unforgettable, consider these simple tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheeses melt better, enhancing the creaminess of the dish.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify cayenne pepper based on your heat preference; start with less if you prefer milder flavors.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents overcooking when mixed with hot cheese sauce, maintaining the pasta’s texture.
- Let Sauce Cool Slightly: Allowing your honey pepper sauce to cool slightly before mixing helps it stick better to the chicken.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- Top Just Before Serving: Add crispy chicken strips just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
When enjoying Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of your main dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that complements the creamy pasta wonderfully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and flavor without overpowering your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely with honey flavors, making it a delightful addition.
- Baked Beans: Their sweetness harmonizes well with the honey pepper sauce while offering heartiness.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges bring an extra layer of comfort food to your dinner plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your cheese sauce can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cook the spiral noodles just until al dente. Overcooking will make them mushy in the final dish.
- Not letting the honey pepper sauce cool: If you skip this step, the sauce may not adhere well to the chicken strips. Allow it to cool slightly before coating.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent clumping but also affect melting. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for better texture.
- Ignoring garnishes: Skipping fresh basil or additional bacon can reduce the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity. Don’t forget these finishing touches!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing it in the container.
Freezing Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Divide into meal-sized portions for easier thawing.
Reheating Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce.
Can I customize the cheeses used in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses such as cheddar or gouda based on your preference for a unique twist.
How do I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
What sides pair well with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables, enhancing its comforting nature while adding some freshness.
Final Thoughts
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is not only warm and inviting but also incredibly versatile. With its balance of sweetness and spice, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste!
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a perfect comfort food that combines creamy pasta, crispy chicken, and a sweet yet spicy honey pepper sauce. This dish is ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Enriched with crispy bacon bits and garnished with fresh basil, this recipe offers a unique twist on classic mac and cheese, making it a must-try for your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spiral noodles
- 25 ounces breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 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 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- 3/4 cup colby jack cheese (freshly shredded)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken strips according to package instructions until golden brown; set aside.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the spiral noodles until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, mix honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
- In another pan, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, then stir in cheeses until melted. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked noodles with cheese sauce and fold in crumbled bacon.
- Coat cooked chicken strips in honey pepper sauce.
- Serve pasta topped with honey pepper chicken and garnish with basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 682
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 859mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
