Save
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is pure comfort food with a playful twist. Imagine juicy breaded chicken bathed in a sweet and peppery honey glaze resting on creamy three-cheese pasta and finished with crisp bacon. It turns even an ordinary weeknight into something special and brings big smiles to the table.
My love for this dish began on a chilly afternoon when I combined leftover honey chicken and mac and cheese. Now it is the most requested dinner for every birthday in our house.
Ingredients
- Spiral noodles: The twirly shape grabs all the cheesy sauce. Use a high quality pasta for best texture.
- Breaded chicken strips: Choose your favorite store brand or homemade for crunchy bites.
- Bacon: Adds smoky richness and crunch. Look for thick-cut bacon for the best crumble.
- Honey: Brings mellow sweetness and a glossy finish to the chicken.
- Light brown sugar: Deepens the honey glaze with molasses flavor. Choose soft brown sugar so it melts smoothly.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Gives the sauce a savory backbone. Pick one that is naturally brewed for a richer taste.
- Pineapple juice: Offers brightness and fruitiness. Fresh pressed is ideal but canned works well.
- Lemon juice: Wakes up all the flavors with natural acid. Use freshly squeezed for best results.
- Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang. I prefer apple cider vinegar but white works fine.
- Black pepper: Sets the spicy tone for the glaze. Always use freshly ground for the most punch.
- Cayenne pepper: Offers gentle heat and color. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Butter: The base of a luscious cheese sauce. Look for unsalted butter with a sweet cream flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silkiness in the cheese sauce. Choose full fat and fresh if possible.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty depth and saltiness. Always freshly grate for best melting power.
- Mozzarella cheese: Creamy stretch and gentle flavor. Block cheese you shred yourself will melt smoother.
- Colby Jack cheese: Mild, creamy, and melts into a dreamy sauce. Shredded just before using is best.
- Minced garlic: For aromatic warmth. Look for firm, plump cloves and chop just before using.
- Fresh basil: An optional bright herbal note. Select leaves that are vibrant and fragrant.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken Strips:
- Cook the breaded chicken strips using the baking or frying method described on the package. Allow them to rest so they stay crisp and juicy when glazed.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your spiral noodles until they are just al dente. Drain well and keep them warm to receive the cheese sauce.
- Making the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In a saucepan whisk together the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Heat this over medium until it comes to a boil then lower the heat and let it simmer for fifteen minutes so it thickens and the flavors meld. Allow to cool slightly so it will cling to the chicken.
- Preparing the Cheese Sauce:
- Set a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until blended. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese stirring constantly until thoroughly melted and silky. Stir in the minced garlic and taste the sauce adjusting with salt and pepper if desired.
- Finishing and Assembly:
- Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and toss them gently until every noodle is coated in velvety cheese. Fold in the crumbled bacon for extra savory crunch.
- Glazing the Chicken:
- Take each cooked chicken strip and dip it into the cooled honey pepper sauce turning to coat on all sides. Let any excess sauce drip back into the pan to keep the coating just right.
- Serving:
- Pile the saucy noodles into bowls then top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Sprinkle with extra bacon and scatter fresh basil over everything for a final touch of color and flavor.
Save
For me the best part is always the thick bacon crumbles—they add that smoky finish that takes every bite up a notch. My daughter always sneaks extra crispy chicken pieces off the platter before I can even finish plating.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in a tightly sealed container to keep noodles from drying out. To reheat add a splash of milk or cream to the noodles and warm gently over low heat while stirring until smooth. The honey chicken is best reheated in a hot oven to keep it crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Colby Jack any mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar works nicely. For a gluten free version swap in your favorite gluten free pasta and breaded chicken substitute. Maple syrup can stand in for honey for a deeper sweet flavor.
Save
Serving Suggestions
This is a showstopper with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlicky steamed broccoli. If you want extra crunch sprinkle fried onions on top just before serving. Consider offering the honey pepper sauce on the side for dipping.
Cultural and Historical Context
Mac and cheese is an all American classic made new here with flavors inspired by sweet and spicy Asian American takeout. It blends the traditional creamy comfort of baked pasta with modern riffs from family favorite honey pepper chicken dishes for a fun twist that suits any gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
Spiral noodles or rotini are preferred, as they hold the creamy cheese sauce well.
- → Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen strips?
Absolutely! Substitute with homemade breaded chicken for a fresher touch.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce the cayenne pepper or black pepper in the honey sauce for milder heat.
- → Which cheeses are best for the sauce?
A blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack delivers a rich, smooth texture and flavor.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh basil and extra crumbled bacon make for a colorful and flavorful finish.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, gently reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to retain creaminess.