How many calories are in chicken and mac and cheese?

The calories can vary based on ingredients and portion size, but a typical serving of this creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese clocks in around 800–950 calories per serving . If you're watching your intake, you can lighten it up by using grilled chicken, low-fat cheese, or swapping in milk for some of the cream.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of breaded?

Absolutely! It’ll be a lighter version, but still delicious with that honey pepper glaze.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.

Is this a good make-ahead dish?

Yes! Just keep the mac and cheese and chicken separate until serving to keep the chicken crispy.

The Best Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Description

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight is the ultimate comfort food fusion—sweet, spicy glazed chicken meets rich, cheesy pasta for a crave-worthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta & Chicken:

1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips, cooked
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

¾ cup honey
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper

For the Cheese Sauce:

1 stick butter
2 cups heavy cream
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

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Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Cook spiral noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cook the Chicken: If not already cooked, bake or air-fry the chicken strips until crispy. Then toss them in the honey pepper sauce until well coated.
Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combine: Stir the cooked noodles and bacon into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Serve: Plate the mac and cheese, top with glazed chicken, and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

Want to lighten it up? Swap breaded chicken for grilled.
Add extra cayenne if you like more heat!
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Lunch
Method: stovetop , Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 890 Kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 52 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 64 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 155 mg