Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese — Heaven in a Bowl!

Okay, real talk—who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Like, it’s the ultimate comfort food, right? Now, imagine it’s got crispy chicken, a sweet-spicy sauce, and it’s all hung out with cheesy goodness. Yup, that’s what we’re making today! 🎉

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Alright, let’s get into it! So, picture this: it’s a rainy day, I’m in my kitchen, and I’m like, “What can I whip up that’s gonna make me feel warm and fuzzy?” Enter this honey pepper chicken mac and cheese! It’s been my go-to for those “I need a hug from a bowl” moments.

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Grab your shopping basket and let’s hit the store! You’re gonna need:
– A big ol’ box of spiral noodles (16 oz)
– Those delicious pre-breaded chicken strips (25 oz bag, trust me, they’re lifesavers)
– Turkey bacon (5 slices, crumbled, because bacon makes everything better)
– Salt & pepper (gotta season things, duh)
– Fresh basil (for that pop of color)
– Honey (3/4 cup, sweet dreams!)
– Light brown sugar (1/4 cup)
– Low sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
– Pineapple juice (1/4 cup, yes, it adds a zing!)
– Lemon juice (from 1 lemon, fresh is best!)
– Vinegar (1 tablespoon, just a splash)
– Black pepper (1 tsp)
– Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, for a kick!)
– Butter (1 stick, because creamy)
– Heavy cream (2 cups, hello, lusciousness)
– Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded)
– Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, freshly shredded, yummm)
– Colby jack cheese (3/4 cup, you know it!)
– Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced, can’t forget this!)
– And more chopped fresh basil for garnish!

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, so this recipe isn’t just about ingredients or fancy techniques. It’s about memories, you know? The first time I made this was one of those “I don’t know how to adult yet” moments. I invited my friends over for a dinner party (which was basically an excuse to show off my cooking skills) and I thought, “What’s better than mac and cheese?” Spoiler alert: nothing! They devoured it. There were literally *no leftovers*. It’s now a staple for every gathering and even the random Tuesday night when I feel like treating myself!

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, listen up—when you make that honey pepper sauce, let it simmer and thicken, but don’t run off to scroll Instagram or something. Seriously. Keep an eye on it! That’s the secret to getting the flavors to really mesh. And when you dip those chicken strips in it? Oof, it’s like magic.

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

– Don’t overcook the pasta! Seriously, al dente is your best friend here.
– And for the cheese sauce, stir it in gradually. No clumps allowed!
– If you’re feeling fancy, add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
– Last tip: taste everything. I mean, why not? You gotta make sure it’s on point before it hits the table!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you somehow have any left (which is a miracle), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for like 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave, but add a splash of milk if it looks a bit dry. It’ll be like a little hug all over again.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

Okay, if this tickles your taste buds, you’ve gotta try my creamy garlic chicken pasta and those loaded nachos! Trust me, they won’t disappoint!

Alright, now that I’ve drooled all over my keyboard, what’s your go-to comfort food? Hit me up with your faves! 🥳

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish combines creamy, cheesy spiral noodles with crispy chicken strips, all drizzled in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Topped with crunchy Turkey Bacon and fresh basil, every bite is a delightful balance of flavors that feels like home. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in!

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz spiral noodles
25 oz breaded chicken strips
5 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
3/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp vinegar
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
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
Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the chicken strips according to package instructions; set aside.
Boil spiral noodles until al dente, then drain.
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened; cool slightly.
Melt butter in a pan and add heavy cream to make the cheese sauce. Gradually stir in parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses until melted. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Mix cooked noodles into the cheese sauce and stir in Turkey Bacon.
Coat chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce.
Serve pasta topped with honey pepper chicken strips and garnish with basil.