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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Cozy Comfort Dish

Enjoy a delightful blend of honey pepper chicken and creamy mac and cheese for a cozy comfort dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • large pan
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken

  • 16 oz spiral noodles
  • 25 oz breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Honey Pepper Sauce

  • ¾ cup honey
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced
  • 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

Garnish

  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Follow the package instructions to either bake or fry the breaded chicken strips. Once cooked, set them aside.
  • Cook the spiral noodles in boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. 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 lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Let it cool down after simmering.
  • In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and stir well.
  • Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
  • Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, making sure they are fully coated.
  • Plate the cheesy pasta, top with the honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Add more crumbled bacon for extra indulgence!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Bacon, cheesy pasta, Chicken Dish, comfort food, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese
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