Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese (Print-Friendly Format)
Creamy mac and cheese meets crispy honey pepper chicken, bacon, and basil for a satisfying dinner.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
450 g spiral pasta
→ Chicken
02 -
710 g breaded chicken strips
→ Meat Garnish
03 -
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
→ Seasoning and Garnish
04 -
Salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
06 -
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
→ Honey Pepper Sauce
07 -
180 ml honey
08 -
55 g light brown sugar
09 -
45 ml low sodium soy sauce
10 -
60 ml pineapple juice
11 -
Juice of 1 lemon
12 -
15 ml vinegar
13 -
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
15 -
113 g unsalted butter
16 -
480 ml heavy cream
17 -
60 g shredded parmesan cheese
18 -
110 g freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
19 -
80 g freshly shredded colby jack cheese
20 -
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
21 -
Chopped fresh basil
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions by either baking or frying until crispy. Set aside.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spiral pasta and cook until al dente following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly.
03 -
In a saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce gently thickens. Allow to slightly cool.
04 -
In a large sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream, stirring consistently. Gradually incorporate shredded parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese, mixing after each addition. Add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Transfer the drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly and fold in crumbled bacon for depth of flavor.
06 -
Dip the cooked chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly glazed.
07 -
Plate the creamy pasta. Arrange honey pepper chicken strips on top and garnish with fresh basil and additional bacon as desired.
# Additional Information:
01 -
For a gluten-free version, substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives and select breaded chicken strips prepared with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour.