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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac – Cheese

This honey pepper chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy pasta paired with sweet-and-spicy glazed chicken and crispy bacon. A crowd-pleasing dinner that blends bold flavors with homestyle coziness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
  • 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • Salt pepper, fresh basil
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
Cheese Sauce:
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded
  • ¾ cup Colby Jack shredded
  • 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
  • Chopped fresh basil

Method
 

  1. Cook chicken strips per package directions. Set aside.
  2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain.
  3. Make honey pepper sauce: simmer ingredients in saucepan for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Make cheese sauce: melt butter with cream.
  5. Stir in cheeses until smooth. Add garlic, salt, pepper.
  6. Toss pasta in cheese sauce. Stir in crumbled bacon.
  7. 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.