Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. Combining tender chicken strips with rich cheeses and a sweet yet spicy honey pepper sauce, this recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. The unique blend of flavors creates an irresistible dish that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and fully customizable, you can adjust the ingredients based on your pantry staples or personal taste preferences. Your family will be asking for seconds—and you won’t mind serving it again!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz spiral noodles
- 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips (or homemade)
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- Minced garlic
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and cook the chicken strips according to package directions; set aside once cooked.
- Cook the spiral noodles in a large pot until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter with heavy cream; gradually stir in the cheeses until fully melted. Add minced garlic until fragrant.
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce; season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Coat each chicken strip in the honey pepper sauce before serving over the pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg