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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy, sweet-and-spicy chicken. The dish is elevated with the crunch of bacon and a hint of fresh basil, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dish:

  • 16 ounces (1 box) spiral noodles
  • 25 ounces breaded chicken strips (1 bag)
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons 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

Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions (bake or fry). Set aside.
  2. Cook the Noodles:
    • Boil the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
    • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
    • Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the Dish:
    • Combine the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
    • Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
  6. Serve:
    • Plate the cheesy pasta mixture and top with the honey pepper chicken strips.
    • Garnish with fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.

Notes

  1. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the chicken strips.
  2. Cheese Sauce Consistency: For a smoother sauce, shred the cheeses yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
  3. Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preference for heat.
  4. Make Ahead: Prepare the honey pepper sauce and cook the bacon in advance to save time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-a-comfort-food-masterpiece/