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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese


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  • Author: mealstomake
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A delightful mix of flavors with sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces spiral noodles
  • 25 ounces breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Basil for garnish
  • 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
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or a blend)

Instructions

  1. Cook the spiral noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Bake or fry the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions. Once cooked, slice them into strips.
  3. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the honey pepper sauce.
  5. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and stir until heated through. Gradually mix in cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine the cooked noodles, crumbled bacon, sliced chicken, and honey pepper sauce in a large mixing bowl.
  7. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and toss until well combined.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with basil.

Notes

You can lighten up the dish by using whole grain pasta and incorporating more vegetables for added nutrition.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg