If you love the rich flavors and cozy comfort of our Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese but follow a gluten-free diet, there’s no need to miss out! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles—there are many great options available that provide excellent taste and texture. For the breaded chicken strips, choose a gluten-free variety or make your own using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to get that same crispy finish. With these easy substitutions, you can enjoy every delicious bite of this classic comfort dish completely gluten-free and worry-free.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is a luscious fusion of sweet, spicy glazed chicken atop rich, cheesy pasta that delivers ultimate comfort with every bite. Combining gourmet flair with homestyle warmth, this dish is endlessly adaptable, irresistibly satisfying, and perfect for every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce box spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 25-ounce bag frozen breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices of bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil 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 cheese
- ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
- Chopped fresh basil to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by following the instructions on the package—either bake or fry the breaded chicken strips according to your preference. Once they’re fully cooked, set them aside.
- Cook the pasta by boiling the spiral noodles in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the honey pepper sauce by combining the honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. After simmering, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm through. Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring after each addition until melted and smooth. Mix in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are well coated. Fold in the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Coat the chicken strips by dipping them into the honey pepper sauce until they’re evenly glazed.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of the creamy bacon mac and cheese onto each plate or bowl, top with the honey pepper-glazed chicken strips, and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Add a sprinkle of extra bacon on top if you like.
- Enjoy your delicious and comforting Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!