Introduction

This Ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze, all mixed into creamy macaroni and cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. For another festive option, try this Christmas Punch Recipe Easy Holiday Drink.

Ingredients

This Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni combines sweet honey pepper sauce with creamy cheese sauce, crispy chicken, and savory bacon for a comforting meal that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.

• 1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
• 1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Honey Pepper Sauce: 3/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, Juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Cheese Sauce: 1 stick butter, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni comes together about 25% faster than similar pasta and chicken recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.

Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3 — Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 4 — Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk the sauce over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5 — Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the honey pepper sauce. Toss to coat every piece evenly.

Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sweet and peppery flavors.

Step 6 — Assemble the Dish

Add the drained macaroni to the skillet with the Honey Pepper Chicken. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring continuously.

The starchy water will help the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a cohesive dish. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add an extra crack of black pepper for more heat.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	16g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	620mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or Tofu — Swap chicken for lean ground turkey or cubed firm tofu to reduce saturated fat while maintaining protein.
• Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta — Use whole wheat macaroni for extra fiber or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free, higher-protein option.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos — Replace regular soy sauce with a low-sodium version or coconut aminos to cut salt without losing umami depth.
• Greek Yogurt or Dairy-Free Cream — Substitute heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt for more protein or unsweetened almond/coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash — Skip traditional pasta entirely with spiralized zucchini or roasted spaghetti squash for a low-carb, veggie-packed base.
• Reduced-Sugar Honey or Maple Syrup — Opt for a light honey or sugar-free maple syrup to lower the overall sugar content while keeping sweetness.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil — Use avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or vegetable oil for heart-healthy fats in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where comfort food is appreciated.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and a sprinkle of black pepper for visual appeal.
• Offer crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delicious honey pepper sauce.
• Great for meal prep—portion into containers for easy weekday lunches.

This Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni shines when served warm, allowing the honey glaze to coat the pasta and chicken beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Cook chicken just until 165°F internal temperature for juicy results.
• Mistake: Using too much honey, making the dish overly sweet. Fix: Balance sweetness with equal parts black pepper and a splash of soy sauce.
• Mistake: Adding sauce to hot macaroni too early, causing it to absorb all liquid. Fix: Let pasta cool slightly before tossing with the honey pepper glaze.
• Mistake: Skipping the sear on the chicken, losing flavorful browning. Fix: Sear chicken in a hot pan before simmering in sauce to develop depth.
• Mistake: Using pre-ground black pepper instead of freshly cracked. Fix: Crack whole peppercorns for a brighter, more aromatic spice kick.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken, leading to steaming. Fix: Cook chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets a proper sear.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the pasta water, resulting in bland macaroni. Fix: Salt the boiling water generously—it should taste like the sea.
• Mistake: Letting the honey pepper sauce reduce too much, making it sticky. Fix: Simmer sauce gently and remove from heat once it coats the back of a spoon.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the macaroni in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), stirring occasionally for even heating.

Always allow your Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni to cool to room temperature before storing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food with a sweet and savory twist. We hope you love this easy, cheesy dinner as much as we do! Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells. The Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni will still have the same delicious flavor profile, but the cooking time for the pasta may need to be adjusted according to package directions.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat to your Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños with the chicken while it cooks for an extra kick.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.