Go Back
–+ servings
Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Bliss

Discover a delightful twist on a classic with Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, combining comfort food with an unexpected zing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Spiral Noodles This shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
For the Chicken
  • 25 oz Breaded Chicken Strips Can be baked or fried for extra crunch.
For the Bacon
  • 5 slices Cooked Bacon Crumble for a smoky flavor.
For Seasoning
  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper To taste.
  • Basil Fresh for garnish.
For the Sauce
  • 3/4 cup Honey Sweetens the sauce beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar For caramelization.
  • 3 Tbs Soy Sauce Adds umami richness.
  • 1/4 cup Pineapple Juice Brings fruity tang.
  • 1 whole lemon Lemon Juice Adds brightness.
  • 1 Tbs Vinegar Provides acidity.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Gives a gentle kick.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Introduces heat.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 stick Butter Foundation for a creamy sauce.
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream Ensures smooth texture.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese For creaminess.
  • 3/4 cup Colby Jack Cheese Robust flavor addition.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced for depth.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Oven

Method
 

Cook Chicken
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking or heat oil for frying. Cook the breaded chicken strips until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Boil Pasta
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add spiral noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare Honey Pepper Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes until thick.
Make Cheese Sauce
  1. In a skillet, melt butter, then add heavy cream. Gradually add parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese until melted. Stir in minced garlic.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Fold the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce, then add crumbled bacon and mix gently.
Coat Chicken
  1. Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce and place on top of the cheesy pasta.
Serve
  1. Divide into bowls, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with extra toppings or substitutions like jalapeños or gluten-free pasta.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!