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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac with Bacon

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac with Bacon
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Savor the creamy, smoky flavors of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac with Bacon, a comforting and quick dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked macaroni tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an indulgent, family-friendly meal packed with balanced flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Pasta

  • 2 cups macaroni pasta

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or mild-flavored)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon and Pasta: Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, boil macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add butter and melt over medium heat. Season chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in honey and freshly cracked black pepper. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, crispy bacon, and chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy honey pepper sauce.
  5. Finish With Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with optional parsley or green onions.

Notes

  • Use fresh cracked black pepper for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water while draining to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Cooking bacon first adds rich drippings that enhance the flavor throughout the dish.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer gently to intensify flavors and improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac with Bacon, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, bacon pasta, honey pepper sauce, comfort food, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/honey-pepper-chicken-mac-with-bacon/