Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Get ready for a crave-worthy twist on comfort food—Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese takes everything you love about classic mac and cheese and elevates it with tender chicken, a sticky-sweet honey pepper glaze, and a gooey blend of cheeses. Every bite hits you with creamy, savory flavors and just enough zing from the signature honey pepper sauce to keep things seriously interesting. Whether you’re prepping lunches or pulling off a showstopping weeknight dinner, this dish will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make this dish truly special—the sweetness, heat, and creaminess all come together thanks to these essentials. Each one adds its own magic touch to the finished Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay moist during cooking and soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Wholesome Yum Keto Honey Substitute: Adds a sweet, sticky glaze with fewer carbs—regular honey works if you’d prefer.
• 100% Pineapple Juice: Brings a burst of brightness and helps tenderize the chicken while rounding out the sauce’s flavor.
• Light Soy Sauce: Gives a savory, umami backbone to the honey pepper sauce—opt for low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
• Splenda Brown Sugar: Boosts the molasses note without the extra calories; regular brown sugar can be swapped in for a classic touch.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness and intensifies the savory edge.
• Black Pepper: Brings signature warm heat and depth—used both in the sauce and cheese mixture for extra kick.
• Garlic Powder: Lends that essential savory, garlicky background without overpowering the sauce.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic layers you notice in every bite.
• Cayenne Pepper: A hint of heat to wake up the honey and cheese—feel free to adjust the amount.
• Al Dente Carba Nada Cavatappi: These spiral noodles hold sauce perfectly and keep things lower-carb, but any cavatappi or macaroni will do.
• Lite Shredded Mozzarella: For rich stretchiness and delicate flavor without overloading on calories.
• Lite Shredded 3 Cheese Blend: Brings complexity—usually cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, but use your favorite blend.
• Light Laughing Cow Creamy Cheese (Wedges): These little wedges melt into the sauce and bring serious creaminess.
• Grated Parmesan: For sharp, salty depth and a touch of Italian flavor.
• Velveeta Cheese: The secret weapon for ultra-smooth, nostalgic cheese sauce—just a little goes a long way.
• Fat Free Evaporated Milk: Makes everything luscious and creamy without the richness of heavy cream.
• Black Pepper (again): A final dash in the cheese sauce for that extra zip of flavor.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes them perfect for mixing into your pasta, but also helps them soak up every possible drop of flavor from the marinade. Pop them in a bowl and set them aside—you’re about to give them a sweet-spicy bath.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together your keto honey substitute, pineapple juice, soy sauce, Splenda brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. The moment this mixture comes to a quick boil, turn off the heat. The scent is irresistible, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour just under half of the honey pepper sauce over your chicken pieces. Give them a stir to thoroughly coat, cover, and let them hang out in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This step ensures your Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is infused with rich, nuanced flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Prep the Cheeses

Take this time to grate your parmesan, measure the shredded cheeses, and tear up the Velveeta. Pop open those Laughing Cow wedges. It’s so worth taking a few extra minutes here—having your cheeses prepped and ready makes silky, restaurant-style sauce a breeze.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Working in two batches, air fry your marinated chicken at 400°F for 15 minutes per batch, giving everything a good shake halfway through. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake or sauté the pieces, but air frying delivers unbeatable crisp-tender results. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a clean bowl and keep any extra marinade or juices out—they could waterlog your sauce later.

Step 6: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken gets crispy, cook your Carba Nada cavatappi in boiling water until just al dente. Don’t overcook—these spirals will soak up the cheesy sauce later. Once done, drain and return them straight back to the hot pot.

Step 7: Make the Cheese Sauce

Pour the evaporated milk over the hot noodles, then add in all your prepared cheeses and a final teaspoon of black pepper. Stir gently over low heat until everything melts together into a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to the pasta.

Step 8: Glaze the Chicken

Quickly reheat the remaining honey pepper sauce until bubbling, then pour it over your cooked chicken and toss to coat every piece in that gorgeous, glossy glaze.

Step 9: Assemble the Dish

It’s showtime! If you’re meal prepping, scoop the cheesy pasta into your containers, then top with a big spoonful of that sticky honey-pepper chicken. Otherwise, pile it high in a serving dish and get ready to dig in. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like.

Step 10: Enjoy!

That’s it—grab a fork and get ready to experience mac and cheese like you’ve never had it. The sweet, peppery chicken is the perfect upgrade to this much-loved classic.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich cheeses and saucy chicken. For a little extra oomph, try a light dusting of smoked paprika, a drizzle of extra honey, or even a handful of sliced green onions for crunch and brightness.

Side Dishes

Because Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is hearty on its own, pair it with something crisp and refreshing—try a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or fresh sliced cucumbers. Roasted broccoli or sweet corn also make crowd-pleasing sides that balance the dish without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn weeknight dinner into an occasion by serving the mac and cheese in individual oven-safe skillets or cast iron pans. For parties, load the finished dish into a large serving bowl and garnish generously for a family-style feast. Leftovers? Pile it into muffin tins, bake till golden, and you’ve got tasty mac and cheese cups for snacking on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully! Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and pasta together, or separate if you want to preserve the texture of the chicken’s glaze.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Before freezing, let the mac and cheese fully cool. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this preserves that creamy, cheesy texture and keeps the chicken tender.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your portion in the microwave with a splash of milk (this helps loosen up the cheese sauce) and stir halfway through heating. For a crispier chicken top, reheat the chicken separately in the air fryer or oven, then combine with the warmed pasta.

FAQs

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! You can bake the marinated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-sear them in a bit of oil until cooked through and lightly caramelized.

Can I substitute regular honey or sugars?

Absolutely—if you’re not following a low-carb diet, feel free to use real honey and regular brown sugar. The flavors will be just as rich, and the mac and cheese will still have that signature sticky-sweet glaze!

What pasta shapes work best for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Cavatappi is great because those spirals really hold onto cheese sauce and saucy chicken. If you don’t have cavatappi, use elbow macaroni, penne, or even shells, and it will turn out beautifully.

Can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Prepare the dish as directed, let everything cool completely, then divide into lunch containers. It reheats like a dream—a major meal prep win for busy weeks.

How spicy is this recipe?

There’s a gentle heat from the black and cayenne pepper, but it’s mostly mild. If you want more kick, add extra cayenne; if you prefer mild, reduce it or leave it out. The honey and pineapple juice mellow out any major spice.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to bring comfort and excitement to the table. With its melty cheese, saucy chicken, and irresistible balance of sweet and heat, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite way to do mac and cheese!

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