🍯 Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese 🧀

A quick fix for dinner dilemmas: Creamy, comforting, and packed with protein!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 25 ounces bag breaded chicken strips
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 16 ounces box spiral noodles
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and cook the chicken strips as per the package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, boil the spiral noodles in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss the cooked chicken strips in the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
6. In a large baking dish, combine the coated chicken, cooked noodles, and shredded cheese. Mix well to ensure even distribution of sauce and cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
Per serving: Calories: 650, Carbohydrates: 75g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 1200mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 22g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For a lighter version, substitute grilled chicken breast for breaded chicken strips and use low-fat cheese.
- Add a crunch by sprinkling some panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Personalize your dish by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost.

⏳ Preparation time ⏳
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Serving: 4