There’s just something magical about sweet-meets-savory, especially when it’s wrapped up in cheesy pasta.

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is my ultimate comfort dish—rich, sticky chicken strips layered over creamy, garlicky mac and cheese with a hint of heat and a touch of honeyed sweetness.

It’s a little indulgent, totally satisfying, and always worth every single bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

Layers of flavor: sweet, salty, cheesy, spicy

Restaurant-style comfort food made at home

Crowd-pleasing—perfect for family dinners or potlucks

Customizable heat level with cayenne and black pepper

Bacon, cheese, and honey sauce? Yes, please!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Spiral Noodles – Perfectly catch the cheese sauce in every twist.

Breaded Chicken Strips – Use your favorite brand, baked or fried.

Bacon – Adds smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese.

Three-Cheese Blend – Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Colby Jack melt together into dreamy richness.

Honey Pepper Sauce – The perfect balance of sweet and heat, made from scratch.

Garlic & Basil – Fresh, fragrant, and elevates the flavor beautifully.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts smoother and has better flavor than pre-shredded.

Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll finish softening in the sauce.

Let the honey pepper sauce simmer long enough to thicken slightly for better coating.

If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne or add red pepper flakes.

Stir in bacon right before serving to keep it crispy.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Strips

Bake or fry the breaded chicken strips according to package directions.

Once done, set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook the spiral noodles in salted water until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: 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 to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until heated.

Gradually stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack—one handful at a time—until fully melted.

Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.

Stir in chopped basil for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Bacon

Add the cooked noodles and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce.

Toss gently until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, coating it well.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the creamy mac and cheese onto plates or bowls.

Top with the glazed honey pepper chicken strips, extra bacon (optional), and a sprinkle of fresh basil for color and freshness.

What to Serve It With

Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Garlic bread or cheesy toast

Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

A glass of sweet iced tea or sparkling lemonade

Variations / Substitutions

No bacon? Try turkey bacon or skip for a vegetarian version.

Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey over top.

Protein swap: Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.

Pasta change: Penne, shells, or elbow macaroni also work well.

Cheese blend: Swap Colby Jack for gouda or sharp cheddar.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave—add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

The honey pepper chicken can be stored separately and reheated in the oven for crispiness.

Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce separating when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pasta and sauces separately, then assemble and bake when ready.

Can I use a different type of chicken?
Grilled or rotisserie chicken works great too—just slice and coat with the honey pepper glaze.

Is the sauce very sweet?
It’s a balanced sweetness, not overly sugary. You can reduce honey slightly if needed.

What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
A combo of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Colby Jack melts well and adds rich flavor.

Can I leave out the bacon?
Absolutely! It’s optional but adds a nice salty crunch.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce or skip the cayenne to make it milder.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just comfort food—it’s a flavor bomb that hits every note: creamy, tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy.

It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for guests but comforting enough for a rainy day in sweatpants.

One bite and you’ll see—this recipe is an instant classic that’ll win hearts (and empty plates).

The Boat Shed Kitchen