Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese blends creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy chicken strips coated in sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This dish combines tender chicken, rich cheese, bacon, and a homemade honey pepper glaze for a meal that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for weekends.

The savory cheese, the kick from black pepper, and the sweetness of honey make every bite unique. Many people love this recipe because it’s easy to make and uses basic ingredients like pasta, chicken, cheese, and honey.

You can make the sauce on the stovetop while the pasta and chicken cook, which saves time. If you’re craving copycat restaurant favorites, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese made at home is always inviting.

Enjoy the creamy texture, crunchy bacon, and bold flavors that set this dish apart from traditional macaroni and cheese. With simple steps and clear tips, preparing this meal at home is approachable, even for beginners.

Why You Will Love Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese stands out with its blend of flavors and textures. The cheese sauce is rich and creamy, while the honey pepper glaze adds sweetness and a hint of spice.

Each bite contrasts the smooth pasta, crunchy breaded chicken, and sticky, flavorful sauce.

Reasons people keep coming back to this dish:

• Sweet and Savory: The honey sauce balances gentle heat from the pepper, making every bite interesting.
• Crispy Chicken: Breaded chicken pieces on top give the dish extra bite and texture.
• Comforting and Filling: With silky cheese sauce and hearty pasta, this meal is perfect for a cozy night.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it different:

Feature	What To Expect
Flavor	Sweet, cheesy, slightly spicy
Texture	Creamy pasta, crispy chicken
Prep Time	About 45 minutes
Serving Style	Topped with saucy chicken pieces

Families like how easy it is to adjust the heat with more or less pepper. You can also choose different cheeses or pasta shapes to change things up.

This dish also pairs well with basics like garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

How To Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

This dish combines crispy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a unique honey pepper glaze for a dinner full of flavor and texture. Each step matters, from picking out the right cheeses to cooking the chicken and mixing it all together.

Ingredients

A good Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese starts with quality ingredients. The main components are spiral noodles, breaded chicken strips, bacon, and fresh basil.

For the cheese sauce, use butter, heavy cream, parmesan, mozzarella, colby jack cheese, and minced garlic. The honey pepper sauce calls for honey, light brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Using fresh cheese and herbs gives the best flavor.

Ingredient List Table

Category	Ingredients
Pasta	16 oz spiral noodles
Chicken	25 oz breaded chicken strips
Bacon	5 slices, cooked and crumbled
Cheese Sauce	1 stick butter, 2 cups heavy cream, ½ cup parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, ¾ cup colby jack, 2-3 cloves minced garlic
Honey Pepper Sauce	¾ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, ¼ cup pineapple juice, 1 lemon, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne
Garnish	Chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instruments

To keep the process smooth, have these kitchen tools ready:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Medium and large saucepans for the sauces
• Baking sheet or deep fryer for chicken strips
• Whisk for mixing the honey pepper sauce
• Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Cheese grater for fresh cheeses
• Tongs for handling chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons

A sharp knife and cutting board help with prepping garlic and herbs. Use a colander to drain the pasta after cooking.

Step by Step Instruction

1. Bake or deep fry chicken strips until crisp and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Boil pasta following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine all honey pepper sauce ingredients. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat to let the sauce thicken as it cools.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter with cream over low heat. Add parmesan, then mozzarella and colby jack cheese one at a time, stirring after each addition. Add minced garlic last and keep stirring until smooth.
5. Mix cooked pasta and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Dip chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce until each is well coated.

Serve the cheesy pasta in bowls, topping each with honey pepper chicken and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Tips & Tricks

For the crispiest chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. After breading, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to help the coating stick better during cooking.

Cooking pasta al dente keeps it from getting mushy when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Always taste a piece before draining, aiming for a slight bite.

Melt cheese into the sauce slowly over low heat. This keeps the sauce from splitting or turning grainy and gives a velvety texture.

Balance the honey pepper sauce to taste. Use more honey for sweetness, or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

If the cheese sauce is too thick, stir in small splashes of milk until it reaches the desired creaminess.

Ingredient Swaps Table

Want to swap…	Try this instead
Chicken	Tofu, cauliflower, or shrimp
Regular pasta	Gluten-free, chickpea, or lentil pasta
Cheddar cheese	Gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella

Fresh parsley on top adds color and a mild, herby flavor. For extra crunch, add crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs right before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm on low to keep the sauce creamy.

Ingredient Substitute

If you don’t have chicken breast, use rotisserie chicken, thigh meat, or tofu for a meatless choice. Shredded leftover chicken saves time and works well with this recipe.

For a vegetarian swap, try chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. Macaroni is classic, but penne, rotini, or shells also work.

Any short pasta holds the creamy sauce well and gives a nice bite. Use homemade cheese sauce or a mix of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for variety.

Lactose-free cheese fits if you need a dairy-free version. If honey runs out, maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes.

For the pepper heat, swap hot sauce for sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.

Here’s a quick reference table for easy swaps:

Original Ingredient	Substitute Options
Chicken breast	Rotisserie chicken, tofu, beans
Macaroni	Penne, rotini, shells
Boxed mac & cheese	Homemade cheese sauce, other cheeses
Honey	Maple syrup, agave nectar
Hot sauce	Sriracha, red pepper flakes

What To Serve With Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pairing sides with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese balances flavors and textures. Because this dish is creamy and rich, lighter and crisp sides work well.

Simple vegetable sides add freshness:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon

A small fruit salad adds a pop of color and crunch. Strawberries, grapes, and apple slices bring sweet and tart notes that cut through the cheesy base.

Many people enjoy bread with their meal. Soft dinner rolls or a slice of toasted garlic bread complement the mac and cheese.

Pickles or a quick slaw made with shredded cabbage and carrots add a tangy bite. The acidity balances the honey pepper glaze and creamy sauce.

Here’s a quick table with ideas:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Green Salad	Refreshes the palate
Steamed Broccoli	Adds crunch and color
Fruit Salad	Sweet and tart contrast
Garlic Bread	Soaks up extra sauce
Coleslaw	Tangy and crisp, balances richness

How To Store Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Store Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for up to three days in the refrigerator. Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the pasta moist.

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to help the cheese sauce stay creamy. For single servings, microwave in 30-second bursts and stir between each.

If freezing, do so before adding the chicken strips for the best texture. Freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently.

A quick reference table:

Storage Method	Duration	Notes
Fridge	3 days	Use an airtight container. Reheat on stove or microwave.
Freezer	1 month	Freeze without chicken for best results. Thaw overnight.

Keep bacon and toppings separate to maintain their crispness when reheated.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

This dish is rich, filling, and full of flavor. Here are the main nutrition facts for an average serving of honey pepper chicken mac and cheese:

Calories:

• About 1828 calories per serving when prepared with fried chicken tenders and four-cheese sauce. This version is similar to the Applebee’s restaurant style.

Protein:

• 77g per serving
• Chicken and cheese provide plenty of protein.

Fat:

• 92g total fat
• 41g saturated fat
• This meal contains about 2g of trans fat.

Carbohydrates:

• 175g total carbs
• 11g dietary fiber
• Net carbs (without fiber): 164g

Sodium:

• 4300mg per serving
• Most of the sodium comes from cheese, sauces, and fried chicken.

Macronutrient Breakdown:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	1828	—
Protein	77g	—
Fat	92g	118%
Saturated Fat	41g	205%
Carbs	175g	64%
Fiber	11g	39%
Sodium	4300mg	187%

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses the most common questions about making honey pepper chicken mac and cheese. Find tips on ingredients, sauce techniques, cooking methods, and alternatives for nutrition or restaurant-style results.

What ingredients are needed to make a homemade honey pepper chicken mac and cheese?

Typical ingredients include spiral or elbow macaroni and cooked chicken breast or tenders. You’ll also need honey, black pepper, cayenne, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, Colby Jack or cheddar cheese, butter, cream, garlic, and bacon bits.

Some home cooks add pineapple or lemon juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar for the sauce. Green onions or fresh basil work well as garnish.

How do you prepare the honey pepper sauce for chicken mac and cheese?

Combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice or lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne in a saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.

Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the cayenne and pepper to reach your preferred spice level.

For more details, see this step-by-step guide to honey pepper sauce.

Can honey pepper chicken mac and cheese be made in a crockpot, and if so, how?

You can make a crockpot version. Cook your pasta separately.

Place cooked or raw chicken, prepared honey pepper sauce, cream, and cheese in the crockpot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours with raw chicken or 1 hour with cooked chicken.

Stir in pasta near the end so it doesn’t overcook. Add more milk if the mixture looks dry.

What steps are necessary to create a baked version of honey pepper chicken mac and cheese?

Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce in a baking dish. Top with honey pepper-coated chicken pieces and extra shredded cheese.

Add crumbled bacon if you like. Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the top looks lightly browned and the cheese bubbles.

Is there a high-protein version of honey pepper chicken mac and cheese available?

For more protein, use whole wheat or high-protein pasta. Increase the amount of chicken breast.

Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can replace some cream in the sauce. Add white beans or extra shredded chicken to boost the protein in each serving.

How can you replicate the Applebee’s style honey pepper chicken mac and cheese at home?

Start by using breaded and fried chicken strips for a crispy texture. Choose a three-cheese blend to make the mac and cheese extra creamy.

Prepare a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the chicken and pasta.

Add bacon bits on top for extra flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of green onion for a fresh garnish.

For a full recipe, visit: Applebee’s-style honey pepper chicken mac and cheese.