Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Honey Pepper Chicken

• 450 g (16 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  
• ¾ cup (180 ml) Wholesome Yum Keto Honey Substitute (or regular honey)
  
• ¼ cup (60 ml) 100% pineapple juice
  
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light soy sauce
  
• 2 tbsp (25 g) Splenda brown sugar
  
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
  
• ⅓ tsp (1 g) black pepper
  
• 1 tsp (3 g) garlic powder
  
• 1 tsp (3 g) onion powder
  
• ¼ tsp (1 g) cayenne pepper

High-Protein Mac and Cheese

• 225 g (8 oz) Al Dente Carba-Nada cavatappi (dry) or high-protein pasta
  
• ⅜ cup (45 g) lite shredded mozzarella (Trader Joe’s)
  
• ⅜ cup (45 g) lite shredded 3-cheese blend (Trader Joe’s)
  
• 2 wedges Light Laughing Cow Creamy Cheese
  
• 2 tbsp (10 g) grated Parmesan
  
• 1½ slices (30 g) Velveeta cheese
  
• ½ cup (120 ml) fat-free evaporated milk
  
• 1 tsp (3 g) black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken:
   In a saucepan, whisk together the honey substitute, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Bring to a quick boil, then remove from heat.
   Place chicken in a bowl and pour a little less than half of the sauce over it. Mix well and refrigerate 15–30 minutes.

2. Prep cheese ingredients:
   Grate Parmesan, measure out shredded cheeses, unwrap Laughing Cow wedges, and tear Velveeta into small pieces. Set aside.

3. Air fry the chicken:
   Air fry in two batches at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl.

4. Cook the pasta:
   Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

5. Make the cheese sauce:
   Add evaporated milk, all cheeses, and black pepper to the hot pasta. Stir over low heat until fully melted and creamy.

6. Glaze the chicken:
   Reheat the remaining sauce briefly, then pour over the cooked chicken. Toss until fully coated and glossy.

7. Assemble:
   Divide mac and cheese into 4 meal prep containers. Top each with honey pepper chicken. Garnish with parsley if desired.