Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese (Printable Version)
Cheesy pasta with honey-pepper chicken, bacon, and basil delivers sweet, spicy comfort in every bite.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
16 ounces spiral noodles
02 -
25 ounces breaded chicken strips
03 -
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
04 -
Salt to taste
05 -
Pepper to taste
06 -
Fresh basil, for garnish
→ Honey Pepper Sauce
07 -
3/4 cup honey
08 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar
09 -
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
10 -
1/4 cup pineapple juice
11 -
Juice of 1 lemon
12 -
1 tablespoon vinegar
13 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
15 -
1 stick butter
16 -
2 cups heavy cream
17 -
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
18 -
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
19 -
3/4 cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese
20 -
2-3 cloves minced garlic
21 -
Salt to taste
22 -
Pepper to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions by either baking or frying. Once cooked, set aside.
02 -
Boil the spiral noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool.
04 -
In a pan, melt butter and add heavy cream. Gradually stir in parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and colby jack cheese, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next. Stir in minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Mix the cooked pasta with the prepared cheese sauce until evenly coated. Stir in crumbled bacon for added flavor.
06 -
Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
07 -
Serve the pasta mixture on a plate, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil. For an extra indulgence, add additional crumbled bacon.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breaded chicken strips made with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.