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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze served over creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a flavor-packed meal that will satisfy all your cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

  • 16 oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 3/4 cup Wholesome Yum Keto Honey Substitute
  • 1/4 cup 100% Pineapple Juice
  • 1/4 cup Light Soy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/3 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 8 oz Al Dente Carba Nada Cavatappi (dry)
  • 3/8 cup Lite Shredded Mozzarella (Trader Joes)
  • 3/8 cup Lite Shredded 3 Cheese Blend (Trader Joes)
  • 2 wedges Light Laughing Cow Creamy Cheese
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan
  • 1–1/2 slices Velveeta Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Fat Free Evaporated Milk
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut up the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place in a bowl.
  2. Prepare the sauce: Whisk together honey substitute, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and set aside.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Pour a portion of the sauce over the chicken, mix well, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Prepare the cheese: Grate Parmesan, measure out shredded cheeses, open cheese wedges, and tear Velveeta. Set aside.
  5. Cook the chicken: Air fry the marinated chicken in batches at 400°F for 15 minutes each, ensuring even cooking.
  6. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente.
  7. Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot, combine evaporated milk, shredded cheeses, cream cheese, Velveeta, and black pepper. Stir until cheeses are melted.
  8. Finish the chicken: Reheat the remaining sauce and pour over the cooked chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  9. Assemble the dish: Combine pasta and chicken in lunch containers, topping with parsley if desired.
  10. Enjoy: Dive into this flavorful Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

  • You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe