Description
Crispy chicken strips glazed in sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce, served over creamy, bacon-studded mac and cheese — the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
1 stick unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
For the Chicken:
1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips (frozen or homemade)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
¾ cup honey
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Cook Chicken: Bake or deep-fry chicken strips according to package instructions. Set aside.
Cook Pasta: Prepare noodles per package directions, drain, and set aside.
Make Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool slightly to thicken.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter and cream over medium heat. Gradually add cheeses, stirring until smooth. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Mac and Cheese: Mix cooked pasta into cheese sauce and fold in crumbled bacon.
Glaze Chicken: Dip cooked chicken strips in honey pepper sauce to coat.
Serve: Plate mac and cheese, top with glazed chicken, and garnish with basil.
Notes
Use homemade chicken tenders for a fresher alternative.
Add hot sauce or extra cayenne for more heat.
Swap in your favorite cheeses like gouda or sharp cheddar for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Baked
- Cuisine: American
