This indulgent dish combines crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese sauce with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze for the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

Pasta & Chicken

• 1 (16-ounce) box spiral noodles
• 1 (25-ounce) bag breaded chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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

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
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions (bake or fry). Once done, set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil the spiral noodles according to the package directions until al dente. 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
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Allow to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate pan:

• Melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add heavy cream and stir well.
• Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring after each addition until smooth.
• Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped basil to taste.

5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well.
Fold in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

6. Glaze the Chicken

Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated.

7. Serve

Plate the creamy mac and cheese, top with the honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon if desired.

Enjoy your delicious, indulgent Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: Use meatless chicken strips and skip the bacon.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add sharp cheddar for an extra cheesy punch.
• Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for texture.
• Sweet and Smoky: Add a drop of liquid smoke to the honey pepper sauce for a smoky depth.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of breaded strips?
A: Absolutely! Season fresh chicken strips, cook them, and then coat them in the honey pepper sauce.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! Both the cheese sauce and honey pepper sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Totally! Penne, macaroni, or rotini all work well in this dish.

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