Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for Easy Meal Prep
Meal prep just got a serious upgrade! These Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Juicy air-fried chicken thighs coated in a tangy honey pepper glaze, paired with creamy, high-protein mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food fix.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
Mac and Cheese:
- 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
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
2. Whisk sauce ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a quick boil, then remove from heat.
3. Pour just under half of the sauce over the chicken, stir to coat, and refrigerate to marinate for 15–30 minutes.
4. While marinating, prep your cheeses: grate parmesan, measure shredded cheeses, open cheese wedges, and tear Velveeta.
5. Air fry chicken in two batches at 400°F for 15 minutes each, shaking or stirring halfway through. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean mixing bowl.
6. While the first chicken batch is cooking, boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
7. Add evaporated milk, all cheeses, and black pepper to the pasta. Stir until melted and creamy.
8. Reheat the remaining sauce and pour it over the cooked chicken. Stir to evenly coat.
9. Assemble bowls or containers: layer mac and cheese first, then honey pepper chicken on top.
10. Optional: garnish with parsley. Enjoy immediately or store for meal prep.
Notes
Total of 15 Weight Watchers points per serving.
Swap in chicken breast for fewer calories and points.
For added color, toss in sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli.
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
Perfect for weekly meal prep—store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.