Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16 oz box spiral noodles; 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips; 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; Salt and Pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh basil, for garnish; 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 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 stick butter (4 ounces); 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings together creamy comfort food with a delightful sweet and spicy kick, you must try this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This recipe is a perfect harmony of tender breaded chicken strips dipped in a luscious honey pepper sauce, all nestled atop a bed of rich, cheesy macaroni. Every bite delivers layers of flavor—from the smoky bacon to the zing of fresh basil—making it an unforgettable twist on a classic favorite.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this magical Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Each item, from the creamy cheeses to the zesty sauce components, plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

16 oz box spiral noodles: These noodles hold sauce beautifully and add a fun swirl to every forkful.
25 oz bag breaded chicken strips: Crispy and ready to absorb that honey pepper goodness.
5 slices bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a smoky, savory crunch.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
Basil: Fresh basil provides a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
3/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with peppery heat.
1/4 cup light brown sugar: Gives depth and richness to the sauce’s sweetness.
3 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium: Brings umami and balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup pineapple juice: Introduces a tropical tang that lightens the sauce.
Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh acidity to brighten all the flavors.
1 tablespoon vinegar: Adds subtle sharpness to cut through the richness.
1 teaspoon black pepper: The star spice in the honey pepper sauce.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a gentle but noticeable kick of heat.
1 stick butter: Creates a silky base for the cheese sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Makes the mac and cheese incredibly creamy and indulgent.
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, savory depth.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded: Perfect for that melty, gooey texture.
3/4 cup Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded: A colorful, mild cheese that melts beautifully.
2-3 cloves minced garlic: Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.
Chopped fresh basil: Added at the end for a fresh, herbal finish.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by baking or deep-frying your breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions (or your homemade recipe), ensuring they turn golden and crispy. Set them aside while you move on to the next delicious step.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spiral noodles until just tender, as per the box directions. These swirls are perfect for catching all the creamy sauce, so don’t overcook them! Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the 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 the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it thickens slightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit to reach that perfect sticky texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter and heavy cream slowly in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted and combined, add the cheeses one at a time: Parmesan, mozzarella, then Colby Jack. Stir gently after each addition until completely melted and smooth. Mix in the minced garlic for a fragrant boost, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Bacon

Add the cooked pasta directly into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every spiral in creamy cheesiness. Toss in the crumbled bacon, letting its smoky essence marry perfectly with the sauce.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Dip each crispy chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until it’s beautifully glazed. Set aside for plating, as this step brings the star flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Plate a generous scoop of cheesy, bacon-studded macaroni. Arrange the honey pepper-glazed chicken strips on top, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over everything, and if you like, add a few extra bacon bits for crunch. Get ready to dive in!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves aren’t just for color—they infuse each bite with a bright, herbal note that balances the richness. A light sprinkle of extra black pepper can rev up the heat if you prefer it spicier, and a few additional bacon crumbs add crispy texture and smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with something fresh and crisp to cut through the creaminess. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even a side of pickled veggies that add just the right amount of acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, layer it in a casserole dish, adding extra chicken and sauce between layers for family-style serving that dazzles at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but be sure to keep the chicken coated with sauce separate to maintain its crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to one month. Freeze the mac and cheese and the honey pepper-coated chicken separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep textures intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or in the microwave at medium power to keep the cheese sauce creamy without separating. If needed, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Reheat chicken strips separately and quickly to retain some crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta type for this dish?

Absolutely! While spiral noodles are ideal for holding onto the cheesy sauce, elbow macaroni, shells, or penne all work well too. Just choose a shape that catches sauce to keep every bite flavorful.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is an excellent meal prep option because it reheats well and tastes even more developed after resting. Just keep components separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat thanks to black pepper and cayenne. You can easily adjust the spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.

Can I make the chicken from scratch instead of using store-bought strips?

Yes! Homemade breaded chicken strips seasoned and fried or baked give the best fresh flavor. Just be sure they’re cooked thoroughly and crispy before dipping into the honey pepper sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version of this mac and cheese?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter, cream, and non-dairy cheeses. The honey pepper sauce remains the star and will still bring that incredible flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed celebration on your plate. Creamy, crispy, sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to for cozy nights in or whenever you need a pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of your favorite comfort foods too!

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is an irresistible fusion of creamy, cheesy pasta combined with crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Enhanced with smoky bacon, fresh basil, and a blend of cheeses, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Bake or deep fry the breaded chicken strips following the package directions until golden and crispy. Once cooked, set them aside to cool slightly.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently and let the sauce reduce and thicken for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly to thicken further.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly add the heavy cream and stir to combine and heat through.
Add the Cheeses and Garlic: Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses one at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Season the Cheese Sauce: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning according to preference.
Combine Pasta and Bacon: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce pan. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly. Incorporate the crumbled cooked bacon into the mixture and combine thoroughly.
Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring it is fully coated, then place them on a serving platter or tray.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese onto plates or bowls. Top with the honey pepper-coated chicken strips. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and chopped fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

You can substitute homemade breaded chicken strips if preferred for extra freshness.
For added spice, increase the cayenne pepper slightly but adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently before use.
Use freshly shredded cheeses for the best melting texture and flavor.
To make this dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free pasta and chicken strips.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: American