Golden breaded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and sweet-spicy honey pepper glaze come together in this indulgent Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!
It’s rich, bold, and packed with comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and spicy flavor from the honey pepper glaze
Ultra creamy homemade cheese sauce
Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings
Crowd-pleasing comfort food with a gourmet twist
Ingredient Highlights
Spiral noodles: Perfect shape to hold onto that luscious cheese sauce
Breaded chicken strips: Crispy outside, tender inside
Honey + spices: For a bold sweet-heat glaze
Three cheeses: Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Parmesan for melt and flavor
Bacon: For that salty, smoky crunch
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
Simmer the honey sauce just until slightly thickened—it will thicken more as it cools.
Want extra spice? Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Prepare the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions (bake or fry).
Set aside once golden and crispy.
Step 2: Boil the Noodles
Cook the spiral noodles in boiling salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 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 to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Let cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a large pan, then pour in the heavy cream.
Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese gradually, until melted and smooth.
Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Mix Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well.
Stir in the crumbled bacon.
Step 6: Coat Chicken in Honey Sauce
Dip each piece of cooked chicken into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Plate the cheesy mac and top with honey-glazed chicken strips.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon if desired.
What to Serve It With
Crisp green salad
Garlic bread
Pickled jalapeños or slaw for contrast
Variations / Substitutions
Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
Swap gluten-free pasta if needed.
Try pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack for more heat.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?
It’s mildly spicy with a sweet base. You can easily adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the pasta and sauce ahead, but glaze the chicken just before serving for best texture.
Can I freeze it?
The pasta and cheese sauce freeze well, but the glazed chicken is best fresh.
What other cheese works here?
Cheddar, gouda, or even smoked mozzarella would work well.
Can I make it without bacon?
Absolutely! Skip it or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
Use orange juice or just increase the lemon juice slightly.
Can I use regular pasta instead of spirals?
Yes—elbow, shells, or penne all work.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food with an exciting twist—sweet, savory, cheesy, and just a little spicy.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this one always delivers. It’s crave-worthy, cozy, and completely satisfying!
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil for garnish
Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 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 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick 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
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook chicken per package instructions; set aside.
- Boil pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In saucepan, combine all honey pepper sauce ingredients.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then cool.
- In separate pan, melt butter and add heavy cream.
- Stir in cheeses and garlic until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/
Notes
- Shortcut Tip: You can use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken in place of breaded strips for a lighter version.
- Extra Heat: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze.
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar or pepper jack in the cheese sauce for a flavor twist!
