By Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 16 ounces box spiral noodles
1 25 ounces bag breaded chicken strips
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 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
1/4 cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheese Sauce:
1 stick butter
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
3/4 cup colby jack cheese (freshly shredded)
2-3 cloves minced garlic
Chopped fresh basil
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the chicken by following the instructions on the package. You have the option to either bake or fry the chicken strips. Once cooked, set them aside.
Cook the noodles by boiling them according to the instructions on the package until they’re al dente. Then drain them.
To make the honey pepper sauce, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan
Bring it to a boil
Let it simmer for 15 minutes until it thickens slightly
Allow it to cool down a bit after simmering.
In a pan, melt butter
Add heavy cream to create a cheese sauce
Gradually stir in parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese after each addition
Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce. Mix everything well together. Stir in some bacon for added flavor.
Take your chicken strips and dip them into the honey pepper sauce so that they are thoroughly coated.
Serve: Plate up some of the pasta mixture, top it off with those flavorful honey pepper chicken strips
Finally garnish with some basil leaves, if desired, or even add more bacon for extra indulgence.
Enjoy your mouthwatering Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
