Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Inspired by Applebee’s fan-favorite dish, it combines crispy, honey-glazed chicken with rich, creamy mac and cheese, smoky bacon, and a hint of spice for an irresistible flavor explosion.
The homemade honey pepper sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, coating each tender chicken strip in a glossy, flavorful glaze. Meanwhile, the three-cheese sauce—featuring parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack—creates a luscious, velvety base that clings to every bite of pasta.
Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekend treats. Whether you’re recreating restaurant favorites or simply craving bold, satisfying flavors, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- Spiral Pasta – The perfect base, capturing every bit of the creamy, cheesy sauce in its twists for a rich and satisfying bite.
- Crispy Chicken Strips – Coated in a golden, crunchy crust, these juicy chicken strips soak up the sticky honey pepper glaze for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Smoky Bacon – Crumbled into the mix, it adds depth, crunch, and an irresistible hint of saltiness.
- Honey Pepper Sauce – A bold blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and heat to elevate the dish.
- Three-Cheese Sauce – A luscious fusion of parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, creating an indulgently smooth, velvety coating for the pasta.
- Fresh Garlic & Basil – Infusing the dish with fragrant, herbaceous notes that enhance every bite with freshness and depth.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: Tips, Pairings & FAQs
This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, combining crispy, glazed chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta and smoky bacon. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these expert tips, serving ideas, and FAQs will help you perfect the recipe.
Recipe Tips
1. Perfecting the Cheese Sauce
For a velvety, lump-free cheese sauce, start by melting the butter and heavy cream over low heat. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties ensures a smoother, creamier texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it without losing richness.
2. Enhancing the Honey Pepper Sauce
To deepen the flavors of the honey pepper glaze, allow it to simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes. This not only thickens the sauce but also melds the sweet, tangy, and spicy elements beautifully. If you prefer extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
3. Achieving the Perfect Crispy Chicken
For a restaurant-style crunch, bake or air-fry the chicken strips instead of deep-frying them. After coating the chicken in the honey pepper glaze, let it rest for a minute before serving. This allows the sauce to slightly set, preventing it from sliding off too quickly while preserving the crispiness.
What to Serve with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
1. Garlic Butter Green Beans
A side of sautéed green beans with garlic butter adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. The light, savory flavor helps balance the sweetness of the honey pepper sauce.
2. Buttery Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy dinner rolls are the perfect companion for this indulgent dish. They’re great for soaking up extra cheese sauce and honey glaze, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
3. Crisp Garden Salad
A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s richness. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the heavy cheese and balances the overall meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cheese sauce and honey pepper glaze in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat both gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk to the cheese sauce if needed. Cook the pasta and chicken fresh for the best texture.
2. Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen strips?
Absolutely! You can bread and bake or fry fresh chicken tenders for a more homemade touch. A simple flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating will give you a crispy, golden crust that holds up well to the honey pepper sauce.
3. How do I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes. A drizzle of hot honey over the finished dish also adds an extra spicy-sweet kick.
4. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving the chicken to keep it from getting soggy—reheat it in an air fryer or oven instead.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. With these tips and pairings, you’ll elevate every bite, making it even more delicious and satisfying!
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- Pasta and Chicken
- 1 16 oz box spiral pasta
- 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil chopped
- 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
- Cheese Sauce
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken strips according to the package instructions by baking or deep-frying them. Set aside once cooked.
- Boil the pasta as per the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine all Honey Pepper Sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly so it thickens.
- To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
- Gradually add the cheeses, one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Mix in the minced garlic and continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- Dip each cooked chicken strip into the Honey Pepper Sauce, ensuring full coverage, then set aside.
- Serve by plating the mac and cheese first, topping with the glazed chicken strips, and garnishing with fresh basil and additional bacon if desired.
- Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy textures to your table.