Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This indulgent Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, garlicky cheese sauce with spiral pasta, crispy bacon, and sweet-and-spicy glazed chicken strips. Finished with a drizzle of sticky honey pepper sauce and fresh basil, it’s the perfect comfort food with bold flavor in every bite. Whether for a special family dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal, this dish is a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
- 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh basil (to taste)
