Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously comforting and indulgent dish that brings together tender breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, all served over a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese base. It’s the perfect meal for satisfying dinner cravings with bold flavors and creamy texture.

You’ll love this dish because the honey pepper sauce offers a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat from cayenne pepper and black pepper, perfectly complementing the savory breaded chicken. Combined with the velvety cheese sauce made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, and creamy heavy cream, the dish feels decadent while still being easy to prepare. The addition of crispy chicken strips adds texture and protein, making it an overall hearty and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
• 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ¾ cup honey
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cheese Sauce:

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by preparing the breaded chicken strips according to their package instructions—whether baking or air frying until golden and crispy. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on paper towels to remove excess oil or moisture.

While the chicken cooks, boil the spiral noodles in salted water following the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

For the honey pepper sauce, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

To prepare the cheese sauce, melt the butter and heavy cream together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and combined, gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until smooth and velvety. Stir in minced garlic and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well coated and creamy. Optionally, stir in some crumbled cooked bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, coating thoroughly so every bite is flavorful. Arrange the pasta on serving plates and top with the honey pepper-glazed chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon bits if desired.

Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, savory, sweet, and spicy layers of this hearty comfort food.

My Best Tips for Success

• Use quality breaded chicken strips for the best crispy texture.

• Ensure pasta is cooked just al dente to prevent overcooking in the sauce.

• Simmer the honey pepper sauce long enough to thicken for better coating.

• Add cheeses gradually to avoid clumping and create smooth sauce.

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.

• Toss pasta with cheese sauce off heat to maintain perfect consistency.

• Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking before glazing with sauce.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Substitute spiral noodles with penne, fusilli, or macaroni.

• Swap breaded chicken strips for grilled or roasted chicken pieces.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or peas into the cheese sauce for more veggies.

• Use smoked paprika or hot sauce in the honey pepper sauce for a smoky or extra spicy kick.

• Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley for fresh herbal notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the honey pepper sauce in advance?

Yes, make the sauce ahead and store it covered in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I use homemade chicken strips?

Absolutely, bread and cook your own chicken strips for a fresher option.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat gently.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not unless you use gluten-free pasta and breaded chicken strips.

What sides best complement this dish?

Simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli are great options.

Can I prepare this meal for a crowd?

Yes, the ingredients scale well for larger servings to feed many.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Golden breaded chicken strips drenched in a sweet-spicy honey pepper glaze combined with creamy, indulgent mac and cheese made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses. A hearty, flavorful comfort meal.

See also  Taco cupcakes​

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles

1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Honey Pepper Sauce

¾ cup honey

¼ cup light brown sugar

3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup pineapple juice

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Cheese Sauce

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 cups heavy cream

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook chicken: Prepare breaded chicken strips according to package directions until crisp and golden. Set aside on paper towels to remove excess oil.

2. Cook pasta: Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

3. Make honey pepper sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare cheese sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream until blended. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing until evenly coated. Remove from heat to maintain a silky consistency.

6. Glaze chicken: Dip cooked chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce to coat fully.

7. Assemble: Serve cheesy pasta on plates topped with glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta to al dente to avoid softening in sauce.

Simmer sauce long enough to thicken for coating.

Add cheeses gradually, stirring to prevent graininess.

Adjust cayenne for spice preference.

Top with bacon bits or herbs for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop, Baking
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
• Calories: 715
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg

Keywords: honey pepper chicken mac and cheese, sweet spicy pasta, glazed chicken mac, cheesy comfort food, creamy honey pepper pasta