Description
A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese topped with crispy honey pepper chicken strips, combining sweet and spicy flavors for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 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 garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cook the chicken strips according to package instructions (bake or fry as preferred). Set aside once cooked.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the honey pepper sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring after each addition until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce and mix well. Stir in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Coat the chicken in honey pepper sauce: Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the mac and cheese, then top with the honey pepper chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon, if desired.
Notes
Ensure not to overcook the pasta and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg