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
Scale
- 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