Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken

This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese combines two comfort food favorites in one irresistible dish. The crispy chicken strips glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy pasta for a meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

I first created this recipe when trying to replicate my favorite restaurant dish, and it quickly became our Sunday dinner tradition. My husband now requests it whenever we have guests over, and it never fails to impress.

Ingredients

• Spiral noodles: Provide the perfect texture and hold the cheese sauce beautifully
• Breaded chicken strips: Offer convenience and crispy texture
• Bacon: Adds smoky depth that complements the sweet honey sauce
• Honey: Forms the foundation of our glaze with natural sweetness
• Light brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization of the sauce
• Soy sauce: Introduces savory umami notes that balance the sweetness
• Pineapple juice: Adds tropical brightness and natural acidity
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with citrus tang
• Black and cayenne pepper: Provide essential heat that counterbalances the sweet elements
• High quality cheeses: Including parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack create the ultimate cheese sauce
• Heavy cream: Ensures a silky smooth cheese sauce that coats every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package directions until golden brown and crispy. For best results, bake them on a wire rack over a baking sheet to ensure even crispiness on all sides. The chicken needs to be sturdy enough to hold up to the honey pepper glaze without becoming soggy.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the spiral noodles in heavily salted water until just al dente. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue softening when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust the consistency of your cheese sauce later.

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:

Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a full 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready but will thicken further as it cools.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

Melt the butter in a large, heavy bottomed pan over medium low heat. Add the heavy cream and heat until warm but not boiling. Gradually add the cheeses one handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth texture. Add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Assemble the Dish:

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated. Gently stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired. Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring complete coverage. For extra flavor, double dip the chicken after the first coat has set slightly.

Plate and Serve:

Arrange the cheesy pasta in serving bowls, top with the glazed chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional bacon crumbles if desired. Serve immediately while hot and the chicken is still crispy.

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The most surprising ingredient in this recipe is the pineapple juice. I discovered its importance entirely by accident when I ran out of apple cider vinegar one night and used what I had on hand. The tropical sweetness it adds creates a dimension to the honey pepper sauce that guests always notice but can never quite identify.

Make Ahead Options

The honey pepper sauce can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before using. The cheese sauce is best made fresh, but if necessary, can be prepared a day ahead and reheated very slowly with a splash of milk to reconstitute its creamy texture. Assemble the final dish just before serving for the best texture contrast between the crispy chicken and creamy pasta.

Customization Ideas

This versatile recipe welcomes creative variations. For a spicier version, double the cayenne pepper or add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the honey glaze. Prefer a lighter option? Substitute grilled chicken breast for the breaded strips and use half and half instead of heavy cream in the cheese sauce. For extra vegetables, stir in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or wilted spinach to the pasta before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve with roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with lemon zest and garlic. A chilled glass of Riesling or sparkling water with lime complements the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully. For special occasions, start with a light appetizer like bruschetta or a fresh fruit plate to balance the upcoming richness.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components separately ahead of time. Make the cheese sauce and honey pepper sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Cook pasta al dente, toss with olive oil and refrigerate. For best results, assemble just before serving by reheating sauces (adding a splash of milk to the cheese sauce), combining with pasta, and adding freshly coated chicken on top.

→ What can I substitute for pineapple juice?

If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute orange juice or apple juice with a splash of vinegar for acidity. In a pinch, dissolve 1 tablespoon of honey in 3 tablespoons of water with a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the sweet-tart profile of pineapple juice.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a mild to medium heat level from the black pepper and cayenne. The sweetness from honey and brown sugar balances the heat nicely. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. To increase spiciness, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce.

→ What sides go well with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac?

This rich dish pairs well with light, fresh sides. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli or asparagus, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal with contrasting textures, serve with coleslaw or a cucumber tomato salad.

→ Can I use different cheeses for the sauce?

Yes! While the combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack creates a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess, you can substitute with cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, gruyere, or monterey jack. For best results, keep a mixture of hard aged cheese (like parmesan) and good melting cheeses for texture.

→ How do I prevent my cheese sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?

To prevent a broken sauce, use low heat when adding cheese, remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, and add cheese gradually while stirring constantly. Never let the sauce boil after adding cheese. Using freshly shredded cheese (not pre-packaged) also helps, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.