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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy pasta dish topped with crispy chicken and sweet peppery sauce.
It is easy to make, family-friendly, and full of bold comfort-food flavor.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the pasta and chicken

  • 1 box 16 ounces spiral noodles
  • 1 bag 25 ounces breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices turkey ham cooked and crumbled
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

For the honey pepper sauce

  • 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

For the cheese sauce

  • 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 to 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions. You can bake or fry them until golden and crisp, then set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes.
  • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
  • Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese gradually, stirring after each addition until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated. Fold in the cooked turkey ham.
  • Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated.
  • Plate the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese by spooning the cheesy pasta onto plates, then topping with the coated chicken strips.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can use rotini, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni if spiral noodles are unavailable.
  • Swap Colby Jack for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor.
  • A splash of milk can help loosen the cheese sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread for a fuller meal.
  • For extra basil flavor, stir a little chopped basil directly into the cheese sauce before serving.