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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – Easy Recipe

Description

Welcome to the delicious world of comforting and hearty meals! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that combines two beloved comfort food staples: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This irresistible dish is the perfect fusion of tender honey pepper chicken strips, rich and creamy cheese sauce, and the savory goodness of bacon. If you’re a fan of indulgent, cheesy, and slightly sweet meals, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Get ready to discover a flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese, with a touch of sweetness and a kick of spice, sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces spiral noodles: These hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
  • 25 ounces breaded chicken strips: You can bake or fry these for a crispy texture.
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a savory crunch.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
  • Fresh basil for garnish: Provides a pop of color and freshness.

Honey Pepper Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup honey: The key to the sweet element of the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness with depth.
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium): Adds a salty, umami balance.
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Brings a fruity tang to the sauce.
  • Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the sauce with acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar: Adds tang and sharpness.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a slight kick.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds heat to balance the sweetness.

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 stick butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
  • 2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor.
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for that stringy cheese pull.
  • 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded: Adds a mild, creamy flavor.
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic depth of flavor.
  • Chopped fresh basil: Adds a finishing touch of freshness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, follow the instructions on the package to cook the breaded chicken strips. You have the option to either bake or fry them, depending on your preference for crispiness. Once cooked, set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring it doesn’t overcook. Al dente noodles provide the best texture in this creamy dish.

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 this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and develop deep, balanced flavors. Once it’s ready, set the sauce aside to cool for a few minutes before using it to coat the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, pour in the heavy cream and allow it to warm up. Gradually add the cheeses—parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack—stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Add the minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue to stir until the sauce is velvety and thick.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Once the cheese sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked pasta and stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. At this point, you can also stir in the crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Honey Pepper Sauce

Next, take the cooked chicken strips and dip them into the honey pepper sauce. Make sure each strip is evenly coated in the sweet and spicy glaze. You can even drizzle some extra sauce over the chicken if you want a more pronounced honey pepper flavor.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Plate your dish by serving a generous portion of the cheesy pasta on each plate, then top it with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Add more crumbled bacon on top if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy this indulgent, flavor-packed meal!

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest sauce, always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
  • Customize the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the honey pepper sauce. For more heat, you can add extra cayenne or even a splash of hot sauce.
  • Crispy Chicken Tips: For an extra crispy texture, consider frying the chicken strips instead of baking them. Alternatively, use an air fryer for a healthier yet still crispy option.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-easy-recipe/