Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
As the leaves turn golden and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the dinner table with a warm, comforting dish. Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, paired with creamy, gooey cheese and al dente cavatappi pasta. This delightful recipe not only warms the soul but also brings back memories of cozy family dinners and heartwarming laughter. So, if you’re in search of an easy weeknight dinner that will impress everyone at the table, this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
- Comfort food at its finest – creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly – even the pickiest eaters will love this dish!
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- 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
- 8 oz Al Dente Carba Nada Cavatappi (dry)
- 3/8 cup Lite Shredded Mozzarella (Trader Joe’s)
- 3/8 cup Lite Shredded 3 Cheese Blend (Trader Joe’s)
- 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
Let’s Make It Together
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, placing them in a bowl, and setting them aside.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients: Wholesome Yum Keto Honey Substitute, pineapple juice, light soy sauce, Splenda brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a quick boil and then turn off the heat.
Pour just less than half of your sauce over the chicken and mix well. Place it in the fridge to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, grate your Parmesan cheese, measure out your shredded cheeses, open your cheese wedges, and tear your Velveeta cheese, then set everything aside.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the marinated chicken in two batches for 15 minutes each, ensuring to pause halfway through to move the chicken pieces for even cooking. Place your cooked chicken in a clean mixing bowl.
While the first batch of chicken is cooking, start boiling your pasta in a separate pot.
Once your pasta is done boiling, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour in the fat-free evaporated milk and dump all of your cheeses and 1 tsp of black pepper into the pot. Mix everything together until the cheeses are fully melted and creamy.
Before combining with the pasta, quickly reheat the remaining sauce. Pour it over the cooked chicken, mixing to ensure every piece is coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
Start assembling your lunch containers (or dinner plates) by adding a generous scoop of pasta, followed by the honey pepper chicken on top. For a pop of color, feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley if you wish!
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or sliced red chili peppers for an extra kick of heat!
- Veggie boost: Toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Zesty twist: Mix in some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Meaty goodness: Try adding cooked turkey bacon pieces for an indulgent and savory bite.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead magic: You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor, allowing it to absorb all those delicious sweet and spicy notes.
- Ingredient swaps: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can replace the pasta with cauliflower florets for an equally creamy dish.
- Storage suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last around 3-4 days. Microwave to reheat until warmed through.
- Perfect pasta: Be sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente is ideal for that perfect chewy texture.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Carbs: 35g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 820mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight and prepare the dish earlier in the day. Just combine when ready to eat.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or alternate proteins.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How long does it last?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within a few days but can be refrigerated for up to one week if stored properly.
Wrapping It Up
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is truly a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, creating a cozy atmosphere at your dining table. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or leftovers for meal prep, this delightful recipe will be a hit! Save this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a deliciously comforting treat!
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Regular
Description
A warm, comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and spicy sauce, creamy cheese, and al dente cavatappi pasta.
Ingredients
- 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
- 8 oz Al Dente Carba Nada Cavatappi (dry)
- 3/8 cup Lite Shredded Mozzarella (Trader Joe’s)
- 3/8 cup Lite Shredded 3 Cheese Blend (Trader Joe’s)
- 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
- Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, placing them in a bowl, and setting them aside.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients: Wholesome Yum Keto Honey Substitute, pineapple juice, light soy sauce, Splenda brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a quick boil and then turn off the heat.
- Pour just less than half of your sauce over the chicken and mix well. Place it in the fridge to marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, grate your Parmesan cheese, measure out your shredded cheeses, open your cheese wedges, and tear your Velveeta cheese, then set everything aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the marinated chicken in two batches for 15 minutes each, ensuring to pause halfway through to move the chicken pieces for even cooking. Place your cooked chicken in a clean mixing bowl.
- While the first batch of chicken is cooking, start boiling your pasta in a separate pot.
- Once your pasta is done boiling, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour in the fat-free evaporated milk and dump all of your cheeses and 1 tsp of black pepper into the pot. Mix everything together until the cheeses are fully melted and creamy.
- Before combining with the pasta, quickly reheat the remaining sauce. Pour it over the cooked chicken, mixing to ensure every piece is coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
- Start assembling your lunch containers (or dinner plates) by adding a generous scoop of pasta, followed by the honey pepper chicken on top. For a pop of color, feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley if you wish!
- Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor. Customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
