Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Cheese (Print-Friendly Version)

This honey pepper chicken paired with rich mac and cheese creates a comforting dish ideal for any occasion. Featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a sweet-spicy glaze, it’s a keeper for cozy meals.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 (16-ounce) box spiral pasta
02 - Salt, to taste

→ Chicken

03 - 1 (25-ounce) bag breaded chicken strips
04 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Honey Pepper Sauce

05 - 3/4 cup honey
06 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
07 - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 1/4 cup pineapple juice
09 - 1 tablespoon vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Cheese Sauce

12 - 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
13 - 2 cups heavy cream
14 - 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
15 - 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
17 - 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Additional

19 - 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Bake breaded chicken strips according to package instructions until fully heated and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a small saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let stand briefly.
05 - In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the crumbled bacon and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Dip each baked chicken strip into the prepared honey pepper sauce, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
08 - Transfer the creamy bacon mac and cheese to serving plates. Arrange honey pepper chicken strips on top. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Tossing the pasta and cheese sauce over low heat ensures a velvety coating and helps maintain an optimal temperature for service.

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