If you’re a fan of comfort food that packs a flavorful punch, you’re about to fall head over heels for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This isn’t your average mac and cheese — it’s an explosion of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet tastes, all tied together with irresistible crispy chicken and a golden honey pepper glaze. Every bite is a little adventure: the gooey cheese sauce, the spiced-up chicken, and that sticky sauce make this a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in its careful mix of simple supermarket ingredients and a few pantry favorites. Each one plays an important role in creating contrasting textures, bold flavors, and mouthwatering smells that’ll make your kitchen the place everyone wants to be.

Spiral noodles (16 oz box): Their fun shape perfectly holds onto all that gooey cheese and sauce for the ultimate pasta experience.
Breaded chicken strips (25 oz bag): Pre-made strips save time and deliver the juicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the pasta.
Bacon (5 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky, salty pops throughout every serving.
Salt and pepper: Simple but vital—these bring out all the best in your other ingredients.
Basil: Fresh or dried, it lifts the whole dish with vibrant green notes and a pop of color.
Honey (3/4 cup): The magic sweetener in your glaze, making the chicken truly addictive.
Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives a hint of caramel flavor and depth to your honey pepper sauce.
Low sodium soy sauce (3 Tbs): Balances sweetness with savory umami undertones.
Pineapple juice (1/4 cup): Adds brightness and tang that comes through in the sauce.
Juice of 1 lemon: A touch of acidity to keep everything lively and not too rich.
Vinegar (1 Tbs): Sharpens flavors in the honey pepper sauce for that extra zip.
Black pepper (1 tsp): Brings the “pepper” part of the honey pepper duo, with warm, woody spice.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): A small touch, but it makes the dish pop with a gentle heat.
Butter (1 stick): Gives the cheese sauce its silken texture and beautiful, glossy shine.
Heavy cream (2 cups): For the ultra-creamy, luscious base every mac and cheese needs.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Salty, nutty, and gives the sauce a rich backbone.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, freshly shredded): Stretches and melts beautifully for those dreamy cheese pulls.
Colby jack cheese (3/4 cup, freshly shredded): Adds color and a mild, creamy flavor that rounds out the blend.
Minced garlic (2-3 cloves): Brings depth and a hint of savoriness to the cheese sauce.
Chopped fresh basil: Perfect for garnishing, it makes every serving pop with color and freshness.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Strips

Start by cooking your breaded chicken strips according to the package directions. Whether you prefer to bake or deep fry them, just make sure they’re crispy and golden all over. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade chicken tenders work here too. Once cooked, set them aside—they’ll get coated in that fabulous honey pepper sauce soon.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spiral noodles until they’re just al dente. You want them tender but with a little bite so they don’t get mushy in the sauce. Drain them well and set aside, but don’t let them get too cold; they blend best when still a bit warm.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

While the pasta’s cooking, grab a medium saucepan and whisk together the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes—stirring often. The sauce will thicken and become glossy. Take it off the heat to cool just slightly while it finishes setting up to the perfect sticky consistency.

Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce

Melt your stick of butter over medium heat in a large, deep skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and let the two combine while stirring gently. Begin adding your three cheeses one at a time—parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack—stirring after each addition to make sure everything’s smooth and melty. Fold in the minced garlic for a little aromatic punch, and keep stirring until you have the dreamiest, cheesiest sauce imaginable.

Step 5: Season and Combine

Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, tumble in your drained spiral noodles and give everything a good mix so each piece of pasta is thoroughly enveloped in cheese. Sprinkle in your crumbled bacon and stir again—this ensures those smoky bites are spread throughout the dish, not just sitting on top.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into your cooled honey pepper sauce until it’s well coated but not dripping, then set aside on a plate. This step infuses every bite with sticky, spicy-sweet goodness—the true signature of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

To plate, scoop that ultra-creamy mac and cheese into bowls or plates, nestle the saucy chicken strips right on top, and finish with a flourish: a bit more bacon, a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, and extra black pepper if you love a little kick. Get ready for major applause at the table!

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

The final finishing touches make all the difference here. Shower your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with extra crumbled bacon, a handful of chopped fresh basil for brightness, and a twist of black pepper. If you love some contrast, thinly sliced scallions or pickled jalapeños can dial up both color and flavor in an instant.

Side Dishes

A bold dish like this pairs well with simple, fresh sides. Try serving alongside a green salad with a lemony dressing or roasted seasonal vegetables to keep things balanced. For a more indulgent spread, soft dinner rolls or garlic bread let you mop up every drop of luscious cheese and honey pepper sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic touch, or bake individual servings in ramekins for a party-ready appetizer. For potlucks, layer the pasta and chicken in a big, colorful casserole dish and let everyone dig in family-style—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (honestly, it’s rare with this dish!), let the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store pasta and glazed chicken separately if possible, which helps keep the chicken crisp. Everything can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze mac and cheese for future cravings! Let it cool, then spoon into freezer-safe containers, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to avoid freezer burn. The glazed chicken strips can also be frozen separately. Both will last up to one month—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat the pasta in a covered pot over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Chicken strips are best reheated in an oven or air fryer at 350°F to regain their crispness. Once warm, assemble as usual, and dig in—it’s almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use homemade chicken strips instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you’re in the mood to go all out, homemade breaded chicken tenders or even grilled chicken can add a personal touch. Just make sure they’re cooked through and crispy so they stand up to the honey pepper glaze.

Is there a way to make this dish a bit lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half to cut richness. Using baked over fried chicken and reducing the amount of bacon can also lighten things up, though it might alter the decadent character that defines Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

What’s the best cheese blend for extra creaminess?

A mix of mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar with a little cream cheese stirred in works beautifully if you crave extra creaminess. The recipe blend ensures great melt and flavor, but feel free to get creative.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Opt for gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breaded chicken strips—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free. The rest of the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese magic stays the same.

How do you keep the cheese sauce from getting gritty?

The secret is to melt the cheese gently over low to medium heat and to add it gradually, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese goes in, and always use freshly shredded cheeses—they melt smoother than pre-shredded kinds.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted the blend of creamy cheese, crispy chicken, and that sticky-sweet honey pepper sauce, you’ll understand why Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is such a beloved favorite in my home. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it disappear before your eyes!