ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Sharing is caring!

There’s something universally comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of mac and cheese. For many, it brings up memories of family dinners, lazy weekends, or quick meals that don’t skimp on taste. But this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese takes a familiar comfort food classic to the next level by infusing sweet and spicy flavors, offering an irresistible twist to the usual mac and cheese.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with creamy mac and cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of honey pepper heat! 🍯🌶️🍗 Perfect for cozy nights in.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, finely grated
  • Colby Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons, preferably unsalted
  • Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups, or whole milk for a lighter version
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • Honey: ¼ cup, for natural sweetness
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
  • Pineapple Juice: 2 tablespoons, adding a tangy undertone
  • Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, for mild heat

Other Ingredients:

  • Spiral Noodles: 12 ounces, cooked al dente
  • Breaded Chicken Strips: 8 to 10 strips, store-bought or homemade
  • Chicken Breast: 1 breast, cooked and diced
  • Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Strips

Begin by preparing your breaded chicken strips according to package instructions. You can choose to bake or fry them, depending on your preference. For an extra homemade touch, you can prepare breaded chicken strips from scratch:

  1. Marinate the chicken: If time permits, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour before breading. This adds tenderness and allows the breading to adhere better.
  2. Bread the chicken: Dip each strip in a seasoned flour mixture, followed by an egg wash, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  3. Cook: Fry until golden and crispy, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Once done, set these strips aside to cool slightly, as they’ll be coated in honey pepper sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Spiral Noodles

While the chicken is cooking, boil the spiral noodles in salted water until they reach an al dente texture. Spiral noodles, such as rotini or fusilli, work best because they hold onto the creamy cheese sauce well. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, pineapple juice, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
  2. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly and intensify the flavors.
  3. Once the sauce has thickened, set it aside to cool.

This honey pepper sauce is the star of the dish, bringing sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy elements that make every bite exciting.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is where this dish truly shines. Here’s how to create a creamy, luxurious base:

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, releasing its aroma.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and Colby jack, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This creamy sauce will cling to each noodle, creating a perfect balance between the noodles and cheese.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and Diced Chicken

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat each noodle completely.
  2. Stir in the cooked, diced chicken breast, mixing well so that each bite has a hint of savory chicken.

The diced chicken adds extra flavor and texture throughout the dish, acting as a substitute for the usual bacon.

Step 6: Glaze the Breaded Chicken Strips

Now for the exciting part: coating the breaded chicken strips in honey pepper sauce!

  1. Take the cooked, breaded chicken strips and place them in a bowl.
  2. Pour the honey pepper sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat each piece evenly.

This step transforms the chicken into a flavor-packed topping for the mac and cheese, adding a sweet, spicy glaze that will contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

  1. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy pasta mixture onto each plate.
  2. Top with the honey-glazed chicken strips, allowing them to sit on top for a visually stunning presentation.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness.

For an extra indulgent touch, consider a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or a drizzle of leftover honey pepper sauce over the top.

Notes

  • Chicken Strips: If you don’t have breaded chicken strips, rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken can work in a pinch. However, the breaded texture adds a delightful crunch that’s worth the extra effort.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding Gouda or sharp cheddar for different flavors. Gouda will give a smoky undertone, while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy note.
  • Extra Heat: For spice lovers, increase the cayenne in the honey pepper sauce or add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
  • Make it a Veggie Dish: Add steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or caramelized onions to add color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 15minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Imagine this: tender, spiral noodles soaked in a creamy, multi-cheese sauce with layers of melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and Colby jack. Toss in crispy breaded chicken coated in a honey-pepper glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, along with bits of juicy, tender chicken throughout, and you have a meal that goes beyond the typical mac and cheese experience. Fresh basil, with its mild peppery aroma, elevates the dish further and cuts through the richness with a refreshing herbal note. Let’s dive into the details of this recipe, including each component’s flavors, textures, and nuances.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a special dinner, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese promises to be a memorable dish. This article will guide you step-by-step through the ingredients, the cooking process, variations, substitutions, and even serving suggestions.

The Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and what it brings to the dish:

For the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
    • Known for its melt-in-your-mouth quality, mozzarella adds a creamy texture that stretches and melds beautifully with the noodles.
  2. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, finely grated
    • Adds a slightly nutty, sharp flavor that enhances the sauce without overpowering it, creating depth in every bite.
  3. Colby Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
    • With a mild, creamy profile, Colby Jack is the ultimate comfort cheese. It melts smoothly, making the sauce rich and decadent.
  4. Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted
    • Forms the base for the cheese sauce, combining with cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  5. Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups (or use whole milk for a lighter version)
    • The creaminess of heavy cream provides a rich foundation for the cheese sauce, binding the cheeses together smoothly.
  6. Garlic: 1 clove, minced
    • Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce, balancing the creaminess with a mild, savory edge.
  7. Salt and Pepper: To taste
    • Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the cheese sauce and ensuring it complements the other ingredients without being overly rich.

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  1. Honey: ¼ cup
    • Provides natural sweetness, helping to balance the spiciness from the pepper and cayenne while adding a lovely golden glaze to the chicken.
  2. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
    • Adds a bright, acidic touch that cuts through the honey’s sweetness, making the sauce well-rounded and vibrant.
  3. Pineapple Juice: 2 tablespoons
    • With its sweet yet tangy flavor, pineapple juice enhances the honey’s sweetness while adding a tropical depth.
  4. Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
    • Adds a mild heat, creating a contrast with the honey’s sweetness and contributing to the overall flavor complexity.
  5. Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
    • Brings a subtle, spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors, rounding out the sauce beautifully.

Additional Ingredients:

  1. Spiral Noodles (Rotini or Fusilli): 12 ounces, cooked al dente
    • Spiral noodles are ideal for this dish because their shape holds onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is cheesy and flavorful.
  2. Breaded Chicken Strips: 8 to 10 strips, cooked and cooled
    • These add a crispy, golden texture that stands out against the creamy pasta, offering a perfect balance between crunchy and soft textures.
  3. Chicken Breast: 1 breast, diced and cooked
    • For a bacon alternative, the diced chicken breast provides extra protein and flavor throughout the dish, integrating seamlessly with the pasta and cheese sauce.
  4. Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped for garnish
    • Adds a pop of color and a peppery, herbal flavor that refreshes the palate with each bite, cutting through the dish’s richness.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Strips

Begin by preparing your breaded chicken strips according to package instructions. You can choose to bake or fry them, depending on your preference. For an extra homemade touch, you can prepare breaded chicken strips from scratch:

  1. Marinate the chicken: If time permits, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour before breading. This adds tenderness and allows the breading to adhere better.
  2. Bread the chicken: Dip each strip in a seasoned flour mixture, followed by an egg wash, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  3. Cook: Fry until golden and crispy, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Once done, set these strips aside to cool slightly, as they’ll be coated in honey pepper sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Spiral Noodles

While the chicken is cooking, boil the spiral noodles in salted water until they reach an al dente texture. Spiral noodles, such as rotini or fusilli, work best because they hold onto the creamy cheese sauce well. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, pineapple juice, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
  2. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly and intensify the flavors.
  3. Once the sauce has thickened, set it aside to cool.

This honey pepper sauce is the star of the dish, bringing sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy elements that make every bite exciting.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is where this dish truly shines. Here’s how to create a creamy, luxurious base:

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, releasing its aroma.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
  3. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and Colby jack, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This creamy sauce will cling to each noodle, creating a perfect balance between the noodles and cheese.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and Diced Chicken

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat each noodle completely.
  2. Stir in the cooked, diced chicken breast, mixing well so that each bite has a hint of savory chicken.

The diced chicken adds extra flavor and texture throughout the dish, acting as a substitute for the usual bacon.

Step 6: Glaze the Breaded Chicken Strips

Now for the exciting part: coating the breaded chicken strips in honey pepper sauce!

  1. Take the cooked, breaded chicken strips and place them in a bowl.
  2. Pour the honey pepper sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat each piece evenly.

This step transforms the chicken into a flavor-packed topping for the mac and cheese, adding a sweet, spicy glaze that will contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

  1. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy pasta mixture onto each plate.
  2. Top with the honey-glazed chicken strips, allowing them to sit on top for a visually stunning presentation.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness.

For an extra indulgent touch, consider a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or a drizzle of leftover honey pepper sauce over the top.

Tips for Success

  1. Chicken Strips: If you don’t have breaded chicken strips, rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken can work in a pinch. However, the breaded texture adds a delightful crunch that’s worth the extra effort.
  2. Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding Gouda or sharp cheddar for different flavors. Gouda will give a smoky undertone, while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy note.
  3. Extra Heat: For spice lovers, increase the cayenne in the honey pepper sauce or add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
  4. Make it a Veggie Dish: Add steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or caramelized onions to add color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.

The Final Dish: A Fusion of Flavors

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a dish that delivers both comfort and excitement. It’s cheesy and indulgent, with the creamy sauce bringing familiar warmth, while the honey pepper-glazed chicken adds a gourmet twist that elevates the meal. The contrast between the creamy pasta and crispy, glazed chicken creates a textural experience that’s as satisfying as the flavors themselves.

Whether enjoyed as a weekend indulgence, a fun family meal, or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this recipe has everything needed to become a staple for comfort-food lovers. The honey pepper glaze, creamy cheese, and tender chicken create a harmonious blend that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star