What does Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese taste like?

Picture a creamy, cheesy macaroni base with a sweet and spicy twist. The honey pepper sauce offers a delightful contrast with its blend of sweetness from the honey and brown sugar, and a gentle heat from black and cayenne pepper. The crispy chicken adds a satisfying crunch, while bacon bits bring a smoky flavor that rounds out the dish. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners.

Does honey go well with mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Honey adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory richness of the cheese sauce. This touch of sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite more complex and interesting. It’s a surprising yet delightful addition that balances the dish without overpowering it. Even if you're skeptical, give it a try—you might just find a new favorite combination.

Does pepper go well with mac and cheese?

Indeed, pepper adds a welcome kick to mac and cheese. In this recipe, black and cayenne pepper provide a gentle spice that cuts through the creaminess of the cheese. It adds depth and warmth, making the dish more flavorful and exciting. The right amount of pepper ensures that the dish isn’t too bland, keeping your taste buds engaged.

Delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Indulge in Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz spiral noodles; 25 oz breaded chicken strips; 5 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled; Salt and Pepper to taste; Basil for garnish; 3/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 3 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium; 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 mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; 3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded; 2-3 cloves minced garlic; Chopped fresh basil

Description

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese offers a creamy, cheesy blend with crispy chicken, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz spiral noodles

25 oz breaded chicken strips

5 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Salt and Pepper to taste

Basil for garnish

Honey Pepper Sauce:

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium

1/4 cup pineapple juice

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Cheese Sauce:

1 stick butter

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

3/4 cup colby jack cheese, freshly shredded

2–3 cloves minced garlic

Chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken strips according to package instructions. Set aside.

2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain.

3. In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Cool slightly.

4. In a pan, melt butter and add heavy cream. Stir in parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine pasta with cheese sauce and turkey bacon.

6. Coat chicken strips in honey pepper sauce.

7. Serve pasta topped with chicken strips and garnish with basil.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta and chicken strips for a gluten-free version.

Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 25
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750 kcal
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 85 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg