This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy cheese sauce coats tender noodles, while crispy chicken strips glazed in sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce add bold flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a hearty, indulgent meal that combines sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
The creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the glazed chicken strips.
Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving comfort food.
You can use store-bought chicken strips or make your own.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Spiral noodles hold onto the creamy cheese sauce.
Breaded chicken strips add crunch and soak up the honey pepper glaze.
Bacon gives a smoky, salty bite that balances the sweetness.
Honey pepper sauce combines honey, soy, lemon, and spices for bold flavor.
Cheese sauce uses Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack for a rich, melty blend.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Simmer the honey pepper sauce until slightly thickened; it will cling better to the chicken.
For extra flavor, pan-fry the bacon until crispy.
Add the garlic to the cheese sauce after the cheese has melted to prevent burning.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1 – Cook the chicken
Bake or fry chicken strips according to package directions. Set aside.
Step 2 – Make the pasta
Cook noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3 – Prepare the honey pepper sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for ~15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 4 – Make the cheese sauce
Melt butter with cream in a large skillet. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, stirring until smooth.
Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully melted.
Step 5 – Combine the pasta
Toss cooked noodles into the cheese sauce.
Stir in crumbled bacon.
Step 6 – Glaze the chicken
Dip chicken strips in honey pepper sauce until fully coated.
Step 7 – Assemble and serve
Serve cheesy pasta topped with glazed chicken strips.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon if desired.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with garlic bread for a full comfort meal.
Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Enjoy with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
Variations / Substitutions
Use grilled chicken for a lighter version.
Swap Colby Jack for sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
Add sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies.
Make it spicier with extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Chicken strips are best reheated in the oven or air fryer to stay crispy.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, then bake with chicken before serving.
Do I have to use spiral noodles?
No, but short pasta like penne or elbow macaroni works best.
Can I make the honey pepper sauce less sweet?
Yes, reduce honey slightly and add more soy sauce or lemon juice.
What cheese blend works best?
A mix of mozzarella (for stretch), Parmesan (for sharpness), and Colby Jack (for creaminess).
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Glaze the chicken just before serving, not too far in advance.
Final Thoughts
This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that satisfies both kids and adults—sweet, spicy, savory, and comforting all in one.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac – Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Cook chicken strips per package directions. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain.
- Make honey pepper sauce: simmer ingredients in saucepan for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make cheese sauce: melt butter with cream.
- Stir in cheeses until smooth. Add garlic, salt, pepper.
- Toss pasta in cheese sauce. Stir in crumbled bacon.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-cheese/
Notes
- Use grilled or baked chicken instead of breaded for a lighter version.
- Adjust cayenne to make it milder or spicier.
- Add veggies like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.