If you’re craving a dinnertime showstopper that’ll make everyone at the table do a happy dance, you need to try Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Imagine crispy, juicy chicken drenched in a sticky-sweet honey pepper glaze, nestled on a bed of perfectly creamy, cheesy pasta that’s crowned with smoky bacon and fragrant basil. This is comfort food at its best, bursting with unexpected flavors that just work. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want to surprise dinner guests, this irresistible combination promises to disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in how a handful of familiar favorites come together in an unforgettable way. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s adding punchy flavor, rich creaminess, or the ultimate crave-worthy crunch.

Spiral noodles: Their twisty shape soaks up every bit of gooey cheese sauce so each bite is outrageously satisfying.
Breaded chicken strips: For maximum crunch that stands up to our sticky honey pepper glaze, ready-made strips are perfect.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and the ultimate savory accent—don’t skip the crumbled bacon for depth.
Salt and Pepper: Simple essentials to amp up all the flavors.
Fresh Basil: A fresh, herbal garnish that’s the finishing touch of color and flavor.
Honey: The star of our sticky sauce—go for the good stuff for the best flavor.
Light brown sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes to the glaze.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory, umami richness without being overpowering.
Pineapple juice: A splash of tropical tang balances the sweetness for a complex sauce.
Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh brightness that keeps the sauce lively.
Vinegar: Adds tang and rounds out the sweetness.
Black pepper: Lends the ever-important peppery kick!
Cayenne pepper: Just a touch for gentle heat—add more if you like it spicy.
Butter: Melts into the cream base for luscious richness.
Heavy cream: The key to a silky, decadent cheese sauce.
Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty flavor and extra meltability.
Mozzarella cheese: Delivers gooey stretch and delicate flavor.
Colby jack cheese: Adds a hint of sharpness and beautiful color.
Minced garlic: Sautéed into the sauce for mouthwatering aroma and taste.
Chopped fresh basil: Optional, but adds a pop of green and a subtle herbal lift.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with your breaded chicken strips by following the package directions—for best results, bake or fry them until perfectly crisp and golden. Once they’re ready, set Aside so they stay crispy and warm.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral noodles until they’re just al dente. Drain and set aside. The spirals are perfect for catching all that velvety sauce!

Step 3: Make the Sticky Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The glaze will become syrupy and glossy—let it cool slightly so it’s ready for tossing with the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and stir until hot but not boiling. Gradually sprinkle in the parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack cheeses, stirring well after each addition to achieve a perfectly smooth, melty sauce. Stir in the minced garlic, then season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This is the magical foundation of your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Bacon

Add the cooked noodles into your luscious cheese sauce, mixing until every spiral is enveloped in creamy goodness. Fold in the crumbled bacon to add bursts of smokiness throughout.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Now for the wow factor! Take your cooked chicken strips and dip or toss them in the warm honey pepper sauce until thoroughly coated and glossy. They should be sticky, sweet, and spicy—utterly irresistible.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Spoon the creamy bacon mac and cheese onto plates or into bowls, then pile on the sticky honey pepper chicken strips. Top with fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra bacon if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Bright, fragrant garnishes make this dish pop. Sprinkle freshly torn basil over the top, add extra bacon for crunch, or even grate on a pinch of extra parmesan for more savory depth—the finishing touches make it unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This showstopper of a meal really shines with simple sides. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or buttery garlic bread. These balance out the richness of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese and keep your dinner plate lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your guests? Try serving the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with chicken strips, or even inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun party twist. Pile everything high on a family-style platter for a shareable feast that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the pasta and chicken separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The cheese sauce may firm up a bit, but a splash of milk or cream will help bring it back to life when reheated.

Freezing

Freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe dish without the chicken for up to a month. Reheat as needed, then prepare fresh chicken strips and glaze just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the cheese sauce and noodles gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring with a splash of milk to regain creamy smoothness. Warm the chicken separately in the oven to restore its signature crispiness, then glaze again with honey pepper sauce if desired.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Any short shape with nooks and crannies—like penne, cavatappi, or shells—will catch plenty of sauce and make every bite delicious.

What’s the best way to make this dish spicy?

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the honey glaze or serve with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery finish.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep the cheese sauce and pasta ahead, then quickly reheat and assemble just before serving. Prepare the chicken and glaze fresh for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Is there a way to make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese lighter?

You can lighten up the dish by using light cream or half-and-half, opting for grilled (not breaded) chicken, and reducing the bacon if desired—though the full version is definitely a treat!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Stir in some steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed bell peppers with the pasta for a colorful, veggie-packed twist on Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something truly memorable about the blend of creamy mac, sweet-and-spicy glazed chicken, and smoky bacon in Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Give it a go—you’ll be surprised how quickly it turns into everyone’s new favorite comfort food. Don’t forget to snap a picture before it’s devoured!