10/17/2024
🍯🌶️ Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness! This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines crispy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a sweet, peppery glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
• 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
• 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips (baked or fried)
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Basil, for garnish
Honey Pepper Sauce:
• 3/4 cup honey 🍯
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice 🍍
• Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
• 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 🌶️
Cheese Sauce:
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter 🧈
• 2 cups heavy cream 🥛
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 3/4 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese 🧀
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic 🧄
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken Strips:
Follow the package instructions to bake or fry the breaded chicken strips. Set them aside once cooked.
2️⃣ Cook the Noodles:
Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
4️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and heat until warm. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated. Toss in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
6️⃣ Coat the Chicken:
Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
7️⃣ Serve:
Plate the creamy mac and cheese and top with honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil and more bacon if desired.
Enjoy your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a delightful comfort meal that’s both rich and flavorful! 🍯🌶️