Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Symphony of Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy Comfort
Experience a flavor explosion with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. The perfect blend of sweet honey, spicy pepper, and creamy cheese creates an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz spiral noodles
- 25 oz breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Colby Jack cheese
- Garlic, basil, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken (The Protein Preparation): Prepare the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions. You can either bake or fry them. Baking is a healthier option, while frying will result in a crispier texture. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate.
- Cook the Noodles (The Pasta Perfection): Cook the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Al dente pasta will hold up better in the cheese sauce and won’t become mushy. Drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce (The Sweet and Spicy Symphony): Combine the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Simmering the sauce over low heat allows the flavors to meld and deepen without burning. Allow it to cool down a bit after simmering.
- Make the Cheese Sauce (The Creamy Comfort): In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, adding each cheese after the previous one has melted. Stir continuously while adding the cheese to prevent it from clumping and ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. Add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce (The Mac and Cheese Magic): Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and mix everything well together. Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon. The bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor that complements the sweet and spicy sauce.
- Coat the Chicken (The Honey Pepper Hug): Take the cooked chicken strips and dip them into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a sticky and flavorful coating.
- Assemble and Serve (The Grand Finale): Plate up a generous serving of the pasta mixture. Top it with the flavorful honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness and additional crumbled bacon, if desired, for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese sauce is creamy and melty.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente.
- Simmer honey pepper sauce.
- Gradually add cheese.
- Garnish with basil.