Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Tender chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, served on a bed of creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy bacon. A dish that combines comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 Tbs soy sauce, low sodium
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 Tbs vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
- Chopped fresh basil
Other Ingredients:
- 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
- 1 25 oz. bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and Pepper
- Basil
Instructions
- Bake or Deep Fry Chicken: Prepare chicken strips according to package directions or homemade recipe, set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook spiral noodles according to package instructions.
- Prepare Honey Pepper Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan, boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter and cream in a pan, add cheeses and garlic, stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, add bacon, and stir.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce.
- Serve: Plate the mac and cheese, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with basil and extra bacon.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper in the honey sauce.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like peas or broccoli to the mac and cheese for a boost of nutrition.
- For a crispier topping, broil the dish briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 800 calories
- Sugar: Approx. 30g
- Sodium: Approx. 1200mg
- Fat: Approx. 45g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 70g
- Fiber: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 30g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150mg
