If you’re looking to blow your usual weeknight dinner out of the water, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the creamy, craveable mashup you need in your life. Tender breaded chicken meets a sweet-spicy honey pepper glaze, all cozied up over silky, multi-cheese mac and cheese, dotted with crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table lean in for seconds (and maybe thirds) — and trust me, it’s the one pot of comfort food you’ll dream about long after the plates are clean.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this dish is how every ingredient truly matters. Each one brings its own layer of flavor, texture, or color, resulting in a glorious, golden, bubbling pan of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese that tastes like pure comfort.

Spiral noodles: These shapes are perfect for trapping all that luscious cheese sauce in every bite.
Breaded chicken strips: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they add protein and the perfect vessel for our zippy honey pepper sauce.
Bacon: Cook it crispy! Bacon brings smoky richness and a satisfying crunch throughout the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors and pull everything together.
Basil: This herb adds fresh flavor and a pop of vibrant green as a finishing touch.
Honey: The star of our glaze, providing sweet floral undertones.
Light brown sugar: Lends extra caramel notes and deepens the sticky sauce.
Low sodium soy sauce: Balances sweetness with umami while keeping things from getting too salty.
Pineapple juice: Adds a subtle fruity tang that brightens the honey glaze.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice sharpens and wakes up the sauce.
Vinegar: Just a splash, for complexity and a touch of acidity.
Black pepper: Don’t be shy — it’s the backbone of our “pepper” in Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Cayenne pepper: A little heat to cut through the creaminess and sweetness.
Butter: Richness! Butter builds the base of the cheese sauce and makes it extra luxurious.
Heavy cream: For a sauce that’s decadently smooth.
Shredded parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, parmesan adds big flavor.
Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: For ooey-gooey melt factor.
Freshly shredded colby jack cheese: Creamy and mild, this helps balance the sharpness of the parmesan.
Minced garlic: Sautéed garlic gives depth and pairs perfectly with all the cheese.
Chopped fresh basil: An extra sprinkle brings a bright, herbal finish on top.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Strips

Start by baking or deep frying the chicken strips according to the package instructions, or get a little adventurous and make your own! Crispy chicken is essential here since it gets coated later in that addictive honey pepper glaze. Set the chicken aside on a rack or paper towels, so it stays crunchy while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While your chicken is cooking, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in those spiral noodles and cook according to the package directions, just until al dente. The noodles will continue to cook a bit after mixing with the sauce, so don’t let them get mushy. Drain and set aside, keeping a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

Here’s where the “wow” flavor comes in! Combine honey, brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. The sauce will bubble up and start to thicken into a shiny, sticky glaze that smells downright irresistible. Remove from heat; it will thicken even more as it cools.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Start your cheese sauce in a large, heavy-bottomed pan by melting the butter and heavy cream together over medium heat. Once melted and starting to bubble, add the cheeses one by one, starting with parmesan, then mozzarella, then colby jack. Stir after each addition until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth. Toss in the minced garlic and keep stirring — the aroma will be heavenly!

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste into your finished cheese sauce. This is your moment to ensure the flavors really shine, so take a little sample and adjust to your liking. The backbone of a great Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a sauce that’s both savory and rich without being overwhelming.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Bacon, and Cheese Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly into your cheesy sauce and toss to coat every twist and turn of the noodles. Next, sprinkle in your cooked, crumbled bacon. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined, turning the mixture golden and flecked with crisp bacon throughout.

Step 7: Glaze the Chicken

Now, take your cooked chicken strips and dip each piece into the slightly cooled honey pepper sauce until completely coated. Be generous here! Set your glazed chicken aside on a tray. The thick, shiny sauce will soak in a little and set for maximum stickiness and flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Assemble

Spoon generous portions of the mac and cheese into bowls or onto plates. Top each heap with your honey pepper glazed chicken strips. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and, if you really want to go for gold, top with a little more crumbled bacon. There it is — Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, ready for hungry hands and happy faces!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must for this dish, adding color and a herbal pop that cuts through the richness. A bit of extra parmesan never hurt, either! A final sprinkle of crispy bacon bits takes it over the top, turning every bite into a little party of flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

I like to keep sides bright and simple, aiming for things that refresh and complement the creamy, saucy decadence of the main event. Steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a crisp tomato and cucumber salad all shine next to Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. For a more indulgent spread, try warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish loves to be the star of a potluck or game-day feast. Try piling it into a big serving bowl for a family-style presentation, or divide into ramekins for personal comfort-food portions. For a playful twist, slice the glazed chicken and fold it throughout the pasta, or even serve it as a zesty “mac and cheese sandwich” on toasted buns for the ultimate comfort food remix.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your mac and cheese cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store the chicken strips separately for best results — this keeps them from getting soggy. Both will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to become lunch or tomorrow’s late-night snack.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, spoon the mac and cheese into a freezer-safe container and wrap the chicken strips well in foil or plastic before freezing. Both will keep for up to one month. For the best texture, freeze the glazed chicken and macaroni apart, then reheat and combine just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the mac and cheese gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it’s thickened up in the fridge. Pop the chicken strips in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crisp again. Combine only at the last minute to keep everything tasty and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! While spiral noodles are perfect for hugging all that sauce, feel free to use shells, elbows, or penne — whatever pasta you love most or have on hand will still work beautifully.

What’s the best cheese blend for the creamiest result?

The recipe’s trio of parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack creates a gorgeous melt and balanced flavor, but you can experiment. Try cheddar for extra tang, or a touch of smoked gouda for something unique in your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

How spicy does the honey pepper sauce get?

The sauce is more sweet and zesty than hot, with the cayenne and black pepper lending just a gentle warmth. Add extra spice to taste if you like a bolder kick.

Can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese vegetarian?

You sure can. Substitute the chicken strips with breaded cauliflower or tofu, skip the bacon, and follow the rest of the recipe for a meatless comfort food that’s just as satisfying.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the mac and cheese and honey pepper sauce in advance. Glaze the chicken just before serving to keep that crispy coating. Warm everything before assembling, and your guests will never guess it wasn’t made to order.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a meal that’s both comforting and full of bold, exciting flavors, and Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is all that and then some. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spin — it might just become the new superstar at your family table!