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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (Copycat Style)

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese (Copycat Style)
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If you love restaurant comfort food but want to make it fresh at home, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a must-try. Creamy, cheesy pasta is loaded with crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and finished with a sticky-sweet honey pepper glaze that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to satisfy big appetites — just like your favorite restaurant version!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles (rotini or cavatappi work great)

  • 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips

  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 stick (½ cup) butter

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella

  • ¾ cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese

  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Bake or fry the chicken strips according to package directions until crispy and golden. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter and heavy cream together over medium heat.
Add cheeses one at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

5. Combine the Pasta

Add drained pasta and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Toss until fully coated and creamy.

6. Coat the Chicken

Dip each cooked chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until well coated.

7. Assemble & Serve

Spoon mac and cheese into bowls, top with honey pepper chicken, and garnish with fresh basil and extra bacon if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Freshly shred cheese for the smoothest sauce (pre-shredded can be grainy).

  • Want extra spice? Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes.

  • Lighten it up with grilled chicken instead of breaded.

  • Add veggies like broccoli or spinach for balance.

  • If sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of milk or cream.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese-copycat-style/