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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta combined with crispy breaded chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce – a perfect harmony of flavors!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 25 ounces bag breaded chicken strips
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Basil for garnish

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 3/4 c honey
  • 1/4 c light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1/4 c pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 stick butter

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 16 ounces box spiral noodles
  • 5 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 2 c heavy cream
  • 1/2 c shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 c mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 3/4 c colby jack cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 2–3 cloves minced garlic
  • Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions. Set aside.
  2. Cook the noodles: Boil the spiral noodles until al dente, then drain.
  3. Make the honey pepper sauce: Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.
  4. Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a pan, add heavy cream and cheeses gradually. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Mix the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce. Add bacon.
  6. Coat chicken in honey pepper sauce: Dip the cooked chicken strips in the prepared honey pepper sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the mac and cheese, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with basil leaves.
  8. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can bake or fry the chicken strips according to your preference.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Feel free to add extra bacon for more flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Pasta Recipe, Chicken Recipe, Mac and Cheese

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/