Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, featuring crispy chicken, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a rich cheese blend. Perfect for a comforting meal!

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, for garnish

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 stick butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 2-3 cloves minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
• Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Set aside.
2. Cook the Noodles:
• Boil the spiral noodles in a pot until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
• In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
• In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and stir well. Gradually mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
• In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce until well coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
6. Coat the Chicken:
• Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
7. Serve:
• Plate a generous serving of the pasta mixture and top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Enjoy your deliciously creamy and sweet Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!