Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Recipes

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 (16-ounce) box spiral pasta
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh basil, for garnish

For the Chicken:

  • 1 (25-ounce) bag breaded chicken strips

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • ¾ cup honey
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Prepare the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions, either by baking or frying. Once cooked, set them aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
    • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
    • Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.
    • Repeat the process with the mozzarella and Colby Jack cheeses, ensuring each cheese melts before adding the next.
    • Add the minced garlic and stir well.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the noodles are well coated.
    • Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired.
  6. Coat the Chicken:
    • Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
  7. Assemble and Serve:
    • Plate the mac and cheese on serving dishes.
    • Top with the honey pepper chicken strips.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh basil and any remaining bacon crumbles.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the spiral pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta. For the chicken, use gluten-free breaded chicken strips or coat chicken pieces in gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour before cooking.
  • Customization: Adjust the spiciness by altering the amount of cayenne pepper in the honey pepper sauce.
  • Additional Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like sautéed vegetables or different herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!