Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese (Printable Format)
Crispy chicken, honey pepper glaze, creamy cheese noodles, and bacon come together for a flavorful dish.
# Needed Ingredients:
→ Mac and Cheese Components
01 -
16 ounces spiral noodles
02 -
25 ounces frozen breaded chicken strips
03 -
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
04 -
Salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
06 -
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
→ Honey Pepper Sauce
07 -
3/4 cup honey
08 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar
09 -
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
10 -
1/4 cup pineapple juice
11 -
Juice of 1 lemon
12 -
1 tablespoon vinegar
13 -
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
15 -
1 stick unsalted butter
16 -
2 cups heavy cream
17 -
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
18 -
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
19 -
3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
20 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
21 -
Salt, to taste
22 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Bake or fry the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions. Once fully cooked, set aside.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spiral noodles until al dente, following package guidance. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 -
In a small saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Heat to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for approximately 15 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and cool briefly.
04 -
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Stir in minced garlic, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Add drained spiral noodles into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently fold to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for enhanced flavor.
06 -
Submerge each cooked chicken strip in the honey pepper sauce, ensuring thorough coating.
07 -
Portion mac and cheese onto plates. Arrange honey pepper chicken strips over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and additional crumbled bacon as desired. Serve immediately.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
Ensure the cheese is freshly shredded for optimal melting and texture in the sauce.
02 -
For extra flavor, add more bacon or drizzle with additional honey pepper sauce just before serving.