Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Golden breaded chicken coated in sweet and spicy honey-pepper sauce sits on a bed of ultra-creamy mac and cheese with crispy bacon and fresh basil. This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a family-friendly favorite with bold flavor in every bite.
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!