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This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the cozy comfort dish I reach for on both celebration nights and days when I need a bit of extra warmth. Tender spiral pasta is wrapped in a silky blend of melty cheeses then crowned with crispy chicken coated in a sweet and punchy honey pepper glaze. A scattering of bacon and fresh basil makes every forkful unforgettable. Whether you are gathering your family at the table or just treating yourself this meal feels like a big hug in a bowl.
When I first made this after a hectic week my family could not stop raving. Now it is our go to for any comfort food craving and even picky eaters dive right in.
Ingredients
- Spiral noodles: Look for ones that hold sauce well like rotini or fusilli for best bite and texture
- Breaded chicken strips: Choose high quality strips with a crispy coating for the perfect crunch
- Bacon: Pick a thick cut and cook until just crisp for extra savory depth
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance all flavors and use freshly cracked black pepper for best results
- Basil: Fresh basil brightens everything so grab vibrant green leaves
- Honey: Use pure honey for a deep floral sweetness
- Light brown sugar: This softens the sauce and gives a gentle caramel note
- Soy sauce: Go for low sodium to keep things balanced not too salty
- Pineapple juice: Adds tang and a subtle fruitiness opt for pure juice not from concentrate
- Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed for brightness
- Vinegar: A touch of acidity from white or apple cider helps wake up every bite
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity go for freshly ground
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch brings warmth without overpowering
- Butter: Use real unsalted butter for a rich base in the cheese sauce
- Heavy cream: This is the secret to the creamiest cheese sauce pick full fat cream
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly shredded for nutty umami flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: Pick low moisture freshly shredded to guarantee meltiness
- Colby jack cheese: Shred your own for the dreamiest stretch and flavor
- Minced garlic: Freshly minced ramps up the savory depth
- Chopped fresh basil: Adds a final herbal lift just before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Follow the cooking directions on your chicken strip package. Bake or fry until golden and crisp. Set aside to let them rest which keeps the coating from slipping off later.
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add your spiral noodles and stir well so they don’t stick. Cook just until al dente usually one to two minutes less than the package suggests. Drain but do not rinse so the sauce clings later.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan combine honey brown sugar soy sauce pineapple juice lemon juice vinegar black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring so nothing scorches. Lower the heat and simmer for fifteen minutes until it thickens slightly. Cool for five minutes for the ideal consistency.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large deep skillet over medium low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and let it heat until small bubbles form at the edge. Gradually whisk in parmesan mozzarella and colby jack cheese adding each one slowly and melting fully before adding the next. Stir in minced garlic and season with salt and black pepper. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce and Bacon:
- Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce pan. Toss well so every noodle is thickly coated. Sprinkle in the bacon crumbles for bites of savory crunch.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce:
- Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce making sure all sides are well covered. Lay the glazed strips on paper towels briefly to set the glaze and preserve their crispiness.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon the creamy mac and cheese mixture into wide bowls. Arrange honey pepper chicken strips on top. Scatter extra bacon and fresh basil leaves for a final touch. Serve immediately for maximum comfort.
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The honey pepper sauce doubles as a chicken wing glaze that my family requests all the time. It was my son’s idea to stir the crispy bacon into the mac and cheese for an even bigger flavor burst around our Sunday table. Now it is an expectation not an option.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Store the chicken separately if possible to keep it crisp. Everything will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat the mac and cheese gently over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess and warm chicken strips in a hot oven or air fryer just until heated through.
Ingredient Substitutions
For gluten free needs choose gluten free pasta and chicken strips made with alternative crumbs like rice flour or almond flour. If you are out of colby jack try mild cheddar for a similar creaminess and stretch. No pineapple juice on hand Orange juice makes a great stand in adding both tang and a hint of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This mac and cheese is a complete meal on its own but you can add a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli for brightness. The dish pairs beautifully with iced tea or sparkling water with citrus slices. For a fun twist offer extra honey pepper sauce at the table so everyone can drizzle to their taste.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Mac and cheese originated in Europe but met new life as classic American comfort food. This version borrows inspiration from both southern honey glazes and lively pepper sauces melding global influences in a dish meant for gathering and sharing. Bacon and basil give it a modern update with a nod to the flavors I grew up loving.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Use oven baking or air-frying for the chicken strips, ensuring they are heated until golden and crunchy before dipping in the honey pepper sauce.
- → Can I substitute the bacon?
Yes, you can use turkey bacon, prosciutto, or omit entirely for a lighter option. Smoked paprika also adds a pleasant depth.
- → What cheese combination works best?
A blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack creates a creamy and flavorful sauce, but sharp cheddar or gouda work well too.
- → Is this dish gluten-free friendly?
Absolutely! Swap the spiral noodles and chicken strips for gluten-free options, ensuring all coatings and sauces are suitable.
- → How can I reheat leftovers?
Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess, or reheat in the oven for best texture.
- → Could I prep any elements ahead?
Yes, you can make the cheese and honey pepper sauces in advance. Store them refrigerated and assemble when ready to serve.