If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is going to be your new favorite dish. It combines crispy breaded chicken strips tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with creamy, cheesy pasta. Plus, the addition of bacon makes it even more irresistible. This is comfort food at its finest, with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory: The honey pepper sauce adds a unique sweetness with a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese.
Ultimate Comfort: Cheesy pasta, crispy chicken, and bacon—this dish has everything you need for a comforting meal.
Versatile: You can bake or fry the chicken strips, and customize the cheese sauce to your liking with different cheeses.
Impressive Yet Easy: It may look and taste fancy, but it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s everything you need to create this indulgent meal:

For the Main Dish:

1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles: Choose your favorite pasta shape, but spirals hold onto the creamy sauce really well.
1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips: You can bake or fry these according to your preference.
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds extra flavor and crunch.
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Fresh Basil, for garnish: Optional, but adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

¾ cup honey: The base of the sauce, providing sweetness.
¼ cup light brown sugar: Adds depth and richness to the sweetness.
3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium): Brings a touch of umami to balance the sweetness.
¼ cup pineapple juice: For a hint of tropical tang.
Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a bright acidity to balance the rich sauce.
1 tbsp vinegar: Enhances the overall tanginess.
1 tsp black pepper: For that peppery bite.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle heat.

For the Cheese Sauce:

1 stick butter: The base for the creamy sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and luscious.
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor.
1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): For a creamy, melty texture.
¾ cup colby jack cheese (freshly shredded): For a bit of sharpness and creaminess.
2-3 cloves minced garlic: Adds a savory punch.
Chopped fresh basil: Optional, for garnish and added freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Prepare the Chicken

Follow the instructions on the package of breaded chicken strips to either bake or fry them. Cooking time and method will vary depending on whether you prefer your chicken crispy from the oven or fried to perfection. Once cooked, set the chicken strips aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set aside.

3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a saucepan, combine ¾ cup honey, ¼ cup light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, ¼ cup pineapple juice, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate pan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Gradually stir in 2 cups heavy cream, making sure the butter and cream are well combined. Slowly add ½ cup parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¾ cup colby jack cheese, stirring well after each addition to ensure the cheese melts smoothly. Add the minced garlic for a savory boost. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is melted and smooth, remove the sauce from heat.

5. Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce

In a large pot or mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness. Add in the cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.

6. Coat the Chicken with Honey Pepper Sauce

Take the cooked chicken strips and dip them into the honey pepper sauce. Make sure each strip is thoroughly coated in the sweet and spicy sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and this flavorful glaze is simply unbeatable.

7. Serve

To serve, plate up a generous portion of the cheesy pasta, then top it off with a few honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with some fresh basil or additional bacon crumbles if you’re feeling indulgent. Dig in and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures in each bite!

Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredding your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded will give you a smoother, creamier sauce.
Adjust the Heat: If you like your sauce spicier, add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
Bacon Lovers Unite: You can add even more bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
Chicken Strips Option: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought frozen chicken strips to save some prep time.

Variations to Try

Spicy Honey BBQ Version: Swap out the honey pepper sauce for a spicy honey BBQ sauce if you’re in the mood for something with a BBQ twist.
Vegetarian Twist: Leave out the chicken and bacon, and replace them with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
Extra Cheesy: Love cheese? You can add an extra cup of your favorite cheese to the sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving.
Crunchy Topping: For added texture, you can sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top and broil the dish for a few minutes until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a satisfying dish on its own, but if you’re looking for sides to round out your meal, here are a few ideas:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheese sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli make for a great side that adds a bit of crunch and freshness.

Storing and Reheating

To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce.
To Freeze: You can freeze the mac and cheese (without the chicken) for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.