Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (2024)

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – Immerse yourself in the world of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese where creamy, sweet and mildly spicy flavors come together. This dish is a mixture of crispy breaded chicken blanketed in a honey pepper sauce and soft spiral noodles packed with cheesy excellence. It’s a relaxing yet thrilling feast that delivers a remarkable twist, on the classic mac and cheese. Our recipe melds mozzarella, parmesan and Colby jack cheeses for an adventure along with a whiff of basil to add freshness. When describing this dish we can’t forget to mention the cheese sauce, the tanginess of the honey pepper sauce and the satisfying crunch of bacon.

The first time I decided to make this recipe was, on an evening when warmth was what we needed. I wanted to surprise my family with something that was both familiar and new. As our kitchen filled with the enticing aromas of simmering sauces my husband’s curiosity quickly turned into anticipation. With every bite we took together as a family our hearts warmed up alongside our bodies laughter filling the room as our child’s eyes sparkled in delight. This dish swiftly became one that was frequently requested since it embodies everything we cherish about family dinners; love, comfort and pure deliciousness.

What makes this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese truly stand out?

So what makes this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese truly stand out? To start off this dish offers a gourmet twist on a loved favorite by adding a honey pepper sauce that brings both sweetness and spice. The contrast, between the crispy chicken and the creamy cheesy pasta creates a texture. What’s more this recipe is quite versatile allowing you to customize it to your liking by either baking or frying the chicken or even incorporating veggies, for added nutrition.

What You Need To Make This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Spiral Noodles: These delightful twisty noodles are fantastic, at capturing and holding onto our velvety cheese sauce ensuring that each bite is as scrumptious as the last.

Breaded Chicken Strips: Picture a crispy golden exterior with a succulent interior all coated in a spicy glaze. These chicken strips aren’t just delicious; they’re the star of the show.

Bacon: Who can resist the allure of bacon? It provides a crunch. Imparts a smoky flavor that elevates every bite, especially when mixed into our cheesy pasta.

Fresh Basil: A sprinkling of basil adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon bringing an herbaceous balance to the dish.

Cheese Sauce Ingredients: Our blend of mozzarella, parmesan and Colby jack cheeses melts into a sauce that’s creamy, cheesy and absolutely comforting. The garlic-infused butter base enhances the flavor to make this sauce irresistible.

Honey Pepper Sauce: This sauce is a combination of honey sweetness, tangy lemon and pineapple juice notes with a hint of pepper and cayenne, for just the right amount of spice. It’s what gives our chicken its flavor.

Steps To Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Step 1: Start by either baking or frying your chicken strips as per the instructions on their package—or go homemade for an extra touch of love. Set these aside once done.

Step 2: Boil your spiral noodles to al dente perfection, as they’ll be soaking up that creamy cheese sauce later on.

Step 3: For the honey pepper sauce, combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Let it come to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes. The aroma will be your first sign of magic happening. Once thickened slightly, set it aside to cool.

Step 4: The cheese sauce is where the heart of this dish lies. Melt butter and cream together, then gradually mix in the cheeses and garlic. The moment everything melds together, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, you’ll know it’s going to be good.

Step 5: Combine the pasta with this heavenly sauce, adding in the crispy bacon for that smoky crunch.

Step 6: Coat your chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce, ensuring each piece is generously covered.

Step 7: Serving time is a spectacle: a heaping portion of cheesy pasta topped with the glazed chicken, a sprinkle of basil, and perhaps a bit more bacon, because why not?

Tip:

To make a Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese my best advice is to pay close attention to the chicken’s quality and preparation. Whenever possible choose breaded chicken strips of store-bought ones. Before breading it marinate the chicken in buttermilk for an hour. This not only makes the chicken tender. Also allows the breading to adhere better resulting in strips that are incredibly juicy, on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. When you coat these strips with the honey pepper sauce they transform the dish from good to exceptional by adding a flavor and texture that’s hard to surpass. This simple step makes a difference, in creating a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Sure you can definitely organize this dish in advance. Just make sure to keep all the elements prepared and construct them when you’re set to serve. If required you can chill the sauces. Gently reheat them later.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! You have the latitude to experiment with kinds of cheese based on your selections. However the recommended ones already propose a rounded flavor profile.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

If you want to make this dish lighter there are a couple of choices. You could consider utilizing grilled chicken strips of proteins and also try superseding some of the heavy creams with a lighter option such, as half and half. These differences should assist lessen the richness of the dish.