Honey Pepper Chicken Mac (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 box (16 ounces) spiral pasta
→ Chicken
02 -
1 bag (25 ounces) breaded chicken strips
→ Bacon
03 -
5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
→ Seasoning
04 -
Salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
06 -
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
→ Honey Pepper Sauce
07 -
¾ cup honey
08 -
¼ cup light brown sugar
09 -
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
10 -
¼ cup pineapple juice
11 -
Juice of 1 lemon
12 -
1 tablespoon vinegar
13 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
15 -
1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter
16 -
2 cups heavy cream
17 -
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
18 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
19 -
¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
20 -
2 to 3 cloves minced garlic
# How to Make It:
01 -
Prepare the breaded chicken strips by baking or frying according to package instructions until cooked through. Set aside.
02 -
Cook the spiral pasta in boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly.
03 -
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Allow to cool slightly.
04 -
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, stirring after each addition until smooth. Stir in minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce thoroughly. Fold in crumbled bacon to distribute evenly.
06 -
Dip the cooked chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
07 -
Plate the cheesy pasta mixture, top with honey pepper chicken strips, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle additional bacon for extra indulgence.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles and use breaded chicken strips prepared with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.