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–+ servings
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines sweet and spicy flavors with creamy pasta for a delightful comfort dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Short Pasta Spiral pasta is recommended.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Breaded Chicken Strips Pre-cooked or homemade.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Honey Agave syrup can be a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar Regular sugar works as well.
  • 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce Tamari is great for gluten-free.
  • 1/4 cup Pineapple Juice Orange juice can be used as substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Vinegar can serve as an alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is suitable.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust for heat.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can substitute.
  • 1 cup Cheeses (Parmesan, Mozzarella, Colby Jack) Freshly shredded preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for best results.
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Optional but recommended.

Equipment

  • pot
  • skillet
  • baking sheet
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the chicken.
  2. Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the short pasta according to package directions, roughly 8-10 minutes.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, light brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and vinegar. Heat until bubbling, then simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
  5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, then stir in heavy cream. Gradually add shredded cheeses while stirring until creamy. Mix in minced garlic and season to taste.
  6. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat.
  7. Coat the cooked chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce, then serve over the pasta.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 750kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and combine chicken strips with the sauce just before serving for maximum crispiness.

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