. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese | Best Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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That’s where this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese comes in. If you guys have an Applebees near you, you may have seen something similar to this on their menu. This has quickly become one of my favorite dishes from their. Creamy cheese, crispy chicken strips and a honey pepper sauce….who goes wrong with that. 

I love being able to do copycat recipes at home. Saves this girl a bunch of money and it makes my take-out loving husband super happy. This is a great meal for the whole family to enjoy. It has just enough heat that they kids will love it! And mac and cheese is a no brainer for feeding a hungry family! Enjoy!



Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients


  • 1 16 oz box spiral noodles
  • 1 bag breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Basil


Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tbs vinegar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Dash of paprika


Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup colby jack cheese
  • 2-3 cloves minced garlic


Instructions

  • Bake or deep fry chicken strips until done (you can also make your own), set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile in medium saucepan mix all your Honey Pepper sauce ingredients and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring often..
  • To make your cheese sauce melt your butter and cream together in medium sauce pan.
  • Once melted add your cheese and garlic and stir until combined and reduce heat until all cheeses are blended in.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add pasta to large bowl and pour sauce and crumbled bacon over top, stir to combine.
  • Dip each of your chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce until coated. Set aside.
  • When ready to serve, dish up your pasta and top with chicken strips and sprinkle with basil.
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