Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If there ever was a dish that could lift your spirits on even the dreariest of days, it’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese! Imagine spirals of tender pasta soaked in velvety, cheesy goodness, and crowned with crispy bacon and chicken strips that get dunked in a sticky, sweet-hot honey pepper glaze. It’s rich, comforting, and just a little bit sassy—basically everything you love about comfort food, wrapped up in one irresistible casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, and every one truly counts. Each adds a pop—creamy texture, sticky-sweet spice, cheesy richness, or irresistible crunch—that builds this into a meal worth craving.

• Spiral noodles: The shape holds onto that luscious cheese sauce, giving you creamy bites every time. Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi will do!
• Breaded chicken strips: They add protein and crunch while soaking up the honey pepper glaze. Frozen is super convenient, but feel free to make your own.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled everywhere—it’s the smoky, salty magic ingredient!
• Honey: The star of the honey pepper sauce, bringing natural sweetness and that signature sticky finish.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and helps the sauce caramelize just enough for clingy, glossy perfection.
• Soy sauce & pineapple juice: The salty-umami note of soy and a touch of tropical tang take the honey sauce way beyond basic.
• Lemon juice & vinegar: A fresh, zippy background that keeps the sauce from turning too sweet or heavy.
• Black pepper & cayenne: For those addictive little bursts of warmth and peppery bite.
• Butter & heavy cream: These are your creamy backbone—rich, unctuous, and totally necessary for true mac and cheese luxury.
• Parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack: Each cheese brings something different—sharp, gooey, and creamy—and together, it’s cheese-pull heaven.
• Garlic: Just a hint gives your cheese sauce savory depth without overpowering the delicate honey pepper flavor.
• Salt & pepper, basil: For simple, fresh seasoning and a sprinkle of green to finish.

Variations

One of the best things about this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is how easily you can make it your own! Whether you’re batch cooking, feeding picky eaters, or need to adjust for dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room for delicious twists.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch more cayenne or a few chopped pickled jalapeños to the honey pepper sauce if you love a fiery kick.
• Swap the chicken: Try grilled or baked chicken, shredded rotisserie, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian take.
• Make it gluten-free: Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breaded chicken strips.
• Add veggies: Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, baby spinach, or roasted broccoli for extra nutrition and color.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Bake or Fry the Chicken Strips

Start by cooking the breaded chicken strips according to the package instructions—either baked in the oven for easy cleanup or deep fried for that extra crunch. If you’ve got a homemade recipe for breaded chicken, this is a fantastic time to use it! Once they’re golden and crispy, set them aside as you gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spiral noodles. Cook until just al dente, since they’ll soak up more sauce later on. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to give the noodles a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

While the chicken and pasta are cooking, combine the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a medium saucepan. Bring it up to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently—stirring often—until thickened and syrupy (about 15 minutes). Remove from the heat, and let it cool a bit; it’ll get stickier as it sits!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium-low heat and pour in the heavy cream. Gently bring to a low simmer. Add the cheeses one at a time—parmesan, mozzarella, then colby jack—stirring slowly after each so everything melts evenly. Toss in the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and keep stirring until the sauce is beautifully silky and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Bacon

Add the drained pasta straight into your cheese sauce and stir until every noodle gets coated. Crumble in most of the crispy bacon (save a bit for garnish!) and stir it through for smoky, salty bursts in every bite. This is where the aroma really starts to work its magic.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken with Honey Pepper Sauce

One at a time, dunk each crispy chicken strip into the thickened honey pepper glaze, making sure to coat both sides generously. Let any extra sauce drip off, and set the glazed chicken aside on a wire rack (or plate) so the coating can fully set and get sticky.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the hot, cheesy pasta onto plates or into wide bowls. Top each serving with a few honey pepper glazed chicken strips, a scattering of extra bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil. Now, dig in—every single element comes together in perfect harmony!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

This gorgeous mac and cheese practically begs for a finishing flourish. For the best presentation and flavor, toss on a handful of freshly chopped basil, some extra crumbled bacon, and a dusting of parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of leftover honey pepper sauce takes each serving over the top!

Side Dishes

This dish is undeniably hearty, but it also plays well with simple sides. Serve it with a light mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, some buttered green beans, or even sweet roasted carrots. The fresh, crisp flavors help balance out the richness of your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests (or just want to fancy things up), try scooping the mac and cheese into mini cast iron skillets, ramekins, or even hollowed-out bread bowls. For a fun family night, serve it bar-style with the chicken, sauce, and toppings on the side so everyone can build their own perfect bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this mac and cheese are a real gift! Pop any uneaten pasta and chicken into airtight containers (keep them separate for best results) and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a quick reheat restores all that creamy goodness.

Freezing

While cheese sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can be frozen in a pinch. Allow it to cool completely, then pack into freezer-friendly containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and expect the sauce might need a good stir or a splash of cream to perk up the texture after thawing.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftover mac and cheese in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until hot and bubbly, stirring gently halfway through. If it seems dry, stir in a splash of milk or cream. Reheat chicken strips separately in the oven or air fryer so they stay crisp, and then glaze with a little extra honey pepper sauce before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If comfort food is your love language, you’re going to swoon over Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s joyful, playful, and outrageously satisfying—like a hug in a bowl, but with extra cheese and a touch of sweetness. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people and treat yourselves to a night of cozy, saucy deliciousness. Go on, give this recipe a try… your table will thank you!

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