Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for Easy Meal Prep

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese might just be your new weeknight superhero. It’s that dish that checks all the boxes: comforting, cheesy, slightly spicy, sweet, protein-packed, and—bonus—meal prep–friendly. The star of the show is juicy chicken thighs air-fried to perfection and coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze. Pair that with creamy mac loaded with melty cheeses, and you’ve got a bowl of heaven. If you’re juggling kids, work, and whatever else life throws your way, this dish brings a little calm to the chaos. Oh, and it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy diner, but you made it in under an hour.

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What is Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food that took a hot girl walk through flavor town. It’s essentially a two-part dream team: tender, sweet-and-spicy glazed chicken and ultra-creamy, velvety mac and cheese. The chicken gets marinated in a bold sauce made with a keto honey substitute (yes, it still tastes amazing), pineapple juice, soy, spices, and a splash of vinegar.

Meanwhile, the mac is built on high-protein, low-carb pasta and a cheese combo that’s anything but basic—Velveeta, Laughing Cow wedges, shredded blends, and a splash of evaporated milk to tie it all together. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without blowing your calorie budget. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or feeding a picky crowd on a cold Tuesday, this dish gets you.

Reasons to Try Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Let’s be real—most of us don’t have time to whip up gourmet meals every night. That’s where Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese saves the day. First, it’s absolutely packed with flavor: sweet, spicy, cheesy, and just a little tangy. It satisfies cravings without the post-meal “why did I eat that” regret. Second, it’s built for meal prep.

This recipe makes four hearty servings that reheat beautifully, so it’s perfect for weekday lunches or dinners. Third, it’s family-friendly—especially if you swap in chicken breast for a lighter version or tweak the spice level. Bonus? It’s Weight Watchers–conscious (15 points) but tastes like something your cheat day would be proud of. This one’s a weeknight keeper.

Ingredients Needed to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken:

• 16 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup Wholesome Yum keto honey substitute
• ¼ cup 100% pineapple juice
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Splenda brown sugar
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Mac and Cheese:

• 8 oz dry Al Dente Carba Nada cavatappi pasta
• ⅜ cup lite shredded mozzarella (Trader Joe’s)
• ⅜ cup lite shredded 3-cheese blend (Trader Joe’s)
• 2 wedges Light Laughing Cow creamy cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1½ slices Velveeta cheese
• ½ cup fat-free evaporated milk
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

If you’re ready to bring sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors together in one comforting meal, follow this step-by-step guide to making the ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, each step is designed to be simple, stress-free, and packed with tips to make your kitchen time smoother.

Step 1: Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Then, dice the meat into bite-sized chunks—about 1-inch pieces work best for even cooking and easy serving. Place the pieces into a mixing bowl and set them aside.

Now it’s time to make your sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together:

• Keto honey substitute
• Pineapple juice
• Light soy sauce
• Splenda brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne

Bring the mixture to a quick boil over medium-high heat—just until it bubbles—then remove it from heat. This brings all the flavors together and creates a sweet, tangy glaze. Pour just under half of the sauce over your raw chicken, mix well to coat, and let it marinate in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. While that rests, you can move on to the next prep steps.

If you’re new to marinating or need ideas for ingredient swaps, check out our easy chicken prep tips for more guidance.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Once your chicken has had time to soak up all that flavor, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Working in two batches, cook the chicken for 15 minutes each, making sure to shake the basket halfway through for even browning.

This step-by-step method ensures the chicken comes out tender on the inside and slightly crisp and caramelized on the outside—just the way we like it. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can bake the chicken on a lined baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Looking for more air fryer meals that save time and deliver flavor? Try our Cowboy Chicken Bites for another protein-packed idea.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the first batch of chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your Carba Nada cavatappi pasta (or any preferred high-protein, low-carb pasta) and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions.

Once cooked, drain the pasta using a strainer and return it to the warm pot. This helps keep the noodles hot, which makes melting the cheese easier in the next step.

If you’re curious about pasta alternatives or gluten-free swaps, check out our article on easy ingredient substitutions to explore more options.

Step 4: Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce

Now for the best part—the cheese. With the drained pasta still in the pot, pour in the fat-free evaporated milk and begin adding your cheeses:

• Lite shredded mozzarella
• Lite 3-cheese blend
• Laughing Cow creamy cheese wedges
• Velveeta (cut into chunks)
• Grated Parmesan
• A pinch of black pepper for seasoning

Stir continuously over low heat until everything melts together into a creamy, cheesy dream. This step-by-step cheese-melting method prevents clumps and helps the sauce coat the noodles evenly.

For even more cozy pasta ideas, try our Cheesy Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole—it’s a family favorite.

Step 5: Glaze the Chicken

Once all your chicken is cooked and your cheese sauce is bubbling, it’s time to bring back the rest of the honey pepper glaze. Reheat the remaining sauce briefly on the stove (just until warm) and pour it over the cooked chicken in a clean bowl.

Toss to coat every piece so the chicken gets that glossy, sticky finish. This final glaze step locks in the sweet-heat flavor and makes every bite irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

You’re almost there! In your meal prep containers or dinner bowls, add a generous portion of mac and cheese. Then, spoon the honey pepper chicken on top. Garnish with a little parsley if you’re feeling fancy or just hungry.

Want to level up your presentation or serve this for guests? You could pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies. Or serve it alongside Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken for a sweet and spicy dinner spread.

What to Serve with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

This dish is a full-on meal by itself, but if you’re feeling extra, serve it with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Think something like a lemony arugula salad or even a crunchy slaw. Garlic bread? Not necessary—but we’re not judging if it shows up on the table. For a cozy twist, you could also pair it with a veggie-forward side like Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo or One-Pot Spinach Tomato Tortellini. Basically, anything that contrasts the creamy-cheesy goodness.

Key Tips for Making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

1. Chicken Swap: Want to lighten it up? Use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.
2. Control the Heat: If you’re spice-sensitive, cut the cayenne in half. Or, if you’re brave, double it.
3. Cheese Matters: Don’t skip the Velveeta—it helps make the sauce super creamy.
4. Air Fryer FTW: Don’t have one? Bake your chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Meal Prep Ready: Let everything cool before assembling your containers so nothing gets soggy.

Storage and Reheating Tips Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Store your cooked mac and chicken in separate sections of airtight containers for up to 4 days. When reheating, splash a bit of milk over the pasta before microwaving—it brings the creaminess back. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat if you’ve got a few extra minutes. The chicken reheats beautifully, and the glaze keeps it moist. If freezing, just know the sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle reheat with added moisture helps fix that. It’s one of those meals that honestly tastes even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Use a low-carb pasta (like the original Carba Nada) and a sugar-free honey substitute.

Is it spicy?
Mildly! The cayenne gives it a little heat, but it’s balanced by the honey and pineapple.

Can I use real honey instead of a substitute?
Absolutely. Just note it’ll raise the sugar and calorie count a bit.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Sure! Just reheat it with the sauce. But air-fried fresh chicken is chef’s kiss.

Final Thoughts

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of those comforting, crave-worthy meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s meal-prep gold, picky-eater–approved, and a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re trying to spice up your lunch routine or need something crowd-pleasing for dinner, this one’s worth bookmarking. Looking for more flavor-packed meal ideas? Don’t miss our Crockpot Butter Chicken or Mediterranean Chicken Bowl next!

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