Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 oz Spiral Noodles (You can switch things up with elbow macaroni or any pasta you have on hand.); 25 oz Breaded Chicken Strips (Store-bought makes this dish easy; feel free to make your own chicken tenders instead.); 5 slices Bacon (Cooked and Crumbled) (Use turkey bacon for a lighter option or omit entirely.); 1 stick Butter (Unsalted butter is preferred.); 2 cups Heavy Cream (You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.); 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino cheese can be used as a substitute.); 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Feel free to mix with a Mexican blend cheese or cheddar.); 3/4 cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (Any melted cheese blend works well here.); 3 tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (Coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free option.); 3/4 cup Honey (Agave syrup or maple syrup can substitute honey.); 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (Regular granulated sugar can be used in a pinch.); 1/4 cup Pineapple Juice (Orange juice can be used as a substitute.); 1 juice Lemon (Lime juice can be used as an alternative.); 1 tablespoon Vinegar (Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used.); 2-3 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be used.); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly cracked black pepper can enhance flavor.); 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Feel free to skip if spice isn't preferred.); Salt to taste Salt (A couple of pinches will enhance flavors.); Basil to taste Fresh Basil (Use for garnishing.)

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the chicken and pasta to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, this is what weeknight meals are all about delicious, comforting, and fast!

Ingredients Breakdown

16 oz Spiral Noodles
25 oz Bag of Breaded Chicken Strips
5 Slices Bacon (Cooked and Crumbled)
Salt and Pepper
Basil
3/4 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons of Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
1/4 Cup Pineapple Juice
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 Stick Butter
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3/4 Cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
2-3 Cloves Minced Garlic
Chopped Fresh Basil

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by baking or deep-frying your chicken strips according to package directions (or if you’re a pro, feel free to make your own homemade chicken strips!). While those are cooking, you’ll want to get the pasta going.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook 16 ounces of spiral noodles, following the package directions, until they’re just al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water just in case you need to thin out your cheese sauce later. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

While your noodles are cooking, combine all your Honey Pepper sauce ingredients: honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until that beautiful sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. It’ll transform into an irresistible glaze!

Step 4: Prepare Your Cheese Sauce

In a large pan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir until combined. At this point, add your cheeses one at a time, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, stirring after each addition until they’re melted and perfectly gooey. Add in the minced garlic as everything combines, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine It All

Now it’s time for the fun part (and the best part!). Add the cooked pasta to your cheese sauce and stir to combine. If things feel too thick, add small amounts of your reserved pasta water until your desired creaminess is reached. Next, fold in your cooked bacon, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken

Take each of your chicken strips and dip them into the honey pepper sauce until they’re generously coated. Set aside and prepare for assembly!

Step 7: Serve

When ready to serve, generously dish up your pasta, pile high with those glazed chicken strips, and sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon and fresh basil for garnish. Grab a fork and dig in, your mac and cheese masterpiece is ready to enjoy!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need a super comforting and satisfying meal that the entire family will devour, my picky 8-year-old even loves it! I’m a real sucker for anything cheesy, and then add chicken? Sign me up! The best part is how versatile it is; you can just switch out the chicken for whatever protein you’ve got on hand. And just for fun, I sometimes toss in peas or broccoli for added greens!

If you loved this hearty Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, be sure to check out my Chili’s Southwest Eggrolls, my Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos, or my McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This decadent meal comes together in under 30 minutes! So when life gets busy, this recipe helps you keep your sanity in the kitchen. There’s nothing better than a quick win for dinner, right?

Comfort Food

Creamy cheese sauce, crispy chicken, and bubbly macaroni, this is comfort food at its finest! With tons of flavor and textures, it’ll satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.

Customizable

Switch out the ingredients easily, feel free to use whatever you have! Whether it’s different types of cheese, types of pasta, or various proteins, this recipe is flexible enough to adapt and keep your taste buds happy.

Family Favorite

The whole family will love it! I can’t count the number of times my kids have wiped their plates clean with this one. Plus, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds, every time!

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Dish

Serve this immensely satisfying Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra crunchy bacon on top. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Trust me; you won’t have leftovers!

Storage

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just make sure it has cooled down before popping it in the fridge!

Reheating Instructions

Reheat your mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency. Just reuse that gorgeous reserve of pasta water to add a little extra love while reheating.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep freeze well for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake it in the oven until heated through, or microwave it until piping hot!

Weeknight dinners just became easier and way more delicious! Enjoy this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with your loved ones. It’s the kind of dinner everyone can agree on, and trust me, you’ll be making it again and again! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!