Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese

This creamy gently spiced Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is my go-to when I crave something truly comforting yet just a bit different. Imagine al dente spiral noodles cloaked in three-cheese sauce a drizzle of honey-pepper glaze crunchy bacon bits and juicy strips of crispy chicken finished with fresh basil. It is everything you look for in a cozy meal but with just enough flair to make it memorable.

I still remember first pulling this together after a long workday and watching my husband sneak back for seconds. It definitely has a way of making a regular dinner feel special.

Ingredients

• Spiral noodles: for better sauce cling try to find bronze cut pasta for more texture
• Breaded chicken strips: look for a variety with a thick crunchy coating or make your own if time allows
• Bacon: smoky and salty use thick cut for the best crumbles
• Salt and Pepper to taste: freshly cracked has the brightest flavor
• Basil for garnish: fresh basil brings a burst of color and a hint of licorice
• Honey for sauce: pure clover honey has clean sweetness
• Light brown sugar: balances the sauce and brings mellow caramel notes
• Soy sauce: low sodium keeps the glaze deeply savory without being too salty
• Pineapple juice: adds bright tangy sweetness always use 100 percent juice
• Lemon juice: freshly squeezed wakes up all the flavors
• Vinegar: brings necessary acidity go for apple cider or white wine vinegar
• Black pepper: freshly ground adds gentle heat
• Cayenne pepper: for bold kick just a pinch is surprisingly warming
• Butter: unsalted for the cheese sauce gives you more control over salt
• Heavy cream: creates the richest smoothest liquid base
• Parmesan cheese: real Parmigiano Reggiano brings sharpness and complexity
• Mozzarella cheese: fresh and full fat melts creamy and stringy
• Colby jack cheese: freshly shredded never pre-bagged for best melt
• Garlic cloves: use fresh and mince just before cooking for maximum aroma
• Chopped fresh basil (optional): for folding into the hot pasta right at the end

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the breaded chicken strips following the package instructions either baking for a healthier crunch or pan frying for even more crispiness. Once they are golden and fully cooked set them aside to cool slightly before slicing.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the spiral noodles in a large pot with salted water until al dente. This usually takes about ten minutes. Drain completely but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce stick.

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:

In a small saucepan stir together the honey light brown sugar soy sauce pineapple juice lemon juice vinegar black pepper and cayenne pepper. Set over medium heat and bring just to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about fifteen minutes stirring occasionally until it thickens enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.

Create the Cheese Sauce:

In a large deep skillet melt the butter over medium low heat then slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Let it warm together until small bubbles appear. Gradually sprinkle in the parmesan cheese mozzarella and colby jack whisking well between each addition so the sauce becomes silky smooth. Add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Stir in a handful of freshly chopped basil for vibrant flavor.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Add the drained noodles to your skillet with cheese sauce. Toss everything gently over low heat so the pasta gets a glossy cheesy coating. Fold in two thirds of the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Glaze the Chicken:

Cut the chicken strips into bite sized pieces then dip each piece into the honey pepper sauce so they are fully coated with the sticky glaze.

Assemble and Serve:

Mound your cheesy noodles on plates then top with generous spoonfuls of honey pepper glazed chicken. Sprinkle the rest of the bacon and garnish with more fresh basil if you like. Serve piping hot.

Save

You Must Know

Garlic is my favorite ingredient in this dish. It smells incredible as it hits the bubbling cheese and just brings all the flavors together. One of my sweetest memories with this recipe is my niece’s birthday dinner when everyone scraped their bowls clean and begged for more.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. For best reheating add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and gently warm on the stove. The chicken keeps its crispness best if stored separately from the pasta mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute spiral noodles with penne or shells if preferred. If you need gluten free try chickpea rotini or brown rice pasta and choose gluten free chicken strips. For extra sharp flavor swap colby jack for shredded sharp cheddar or toss in a handful of crumbled blue cheese for an adult twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp simple salad or roasted green beans to keep the meal balanced. For a special touch serve with lemonade or iced tea to echo the honey pepper notes in the dish. Leftovers make a satisfying warm lunch the next day.

A Brief Note on the Dish’s Roots

This recipe merges two classic American favorites mac and cheese with crispy honey glazed chicken. The lemony pepper sauce is inspired by Southern honey chicken recipes while the three cheese pasta nods to comfort food traditions that never lose their appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What makes the honey pepper sauce sweet and spicy?

The sweetness comes from honey and brown sugar, while black and cayenne peppers add a gentle kick. Soy sauce, pineapple juice, and lemon juice balance the flavors for a harmonious glaze.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, spiral noodles work well, but any short pasta shape like penne, shells, or elbow macaroni can be substituted for a similar creamy texture.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Absolutely. Swap the spiral noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breaded chicken strips to keep the dish accessible and delicious.

→ How do I achieve a crispy chicken topping?

Bake or fry breaded chicken strips according to package directions. Tossing them in the warm honey pepper sauce just before serving maintains their crispiness while adding flavor.

→ How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Gradually stir in shredded cheeses over low heat after melting the butter and adding heavy cream. Mix constantly to ensure smoothness and avoid overheating.