Description
A delightful combination of creamy mac and cheese with crispy chicken strips glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 (16-ounce) box spiral noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh basil, for garnish
For the Chicken:
- 1 (25-ounce) bag breaded chicken strips (bake or fry as instructed on package)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick (½ cup) 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
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Cook the chicken strips according to the package instructions (bake or fry). Once done, set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil the spiral noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a 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 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Toss in the crumbled turkey bacon for added texture and flavor.
6️⃣ Glaze the Chicken
Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
7️⃣ Assemble and Serve
Plate the creamy pasta mixture, top with the honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil or extra crumbled turkey bacon for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider sprinkling panko breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese and broiling for a few minutes before serving.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Substitute chicken strips with grilled or roasted chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6