Jerk Daring Wings with Baked Mac & Cheese

We’re bringing the heat — and the comfort — with Jerk Daring Wings tossed in a sweet, spicy sauce and paired with a creamy baked vegan mac & cheese that steals the show. Crispy, craveable, and completely plant-based, this recipe is everything you want on your plate today (and every day).

6-8Serves

35 minsCook

30 minsPrep

Ingredients

Daring Plant Chicken:

  • 3 packages Daring Breaded Plant Chicken (8 oz each)

Jerk Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp vegan butter
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup jerk seasoning (wet or dry)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in boiling water 5 minutes)
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup nutritional yeast
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 (7 oz) bag shredded vegan cheddar cheese

Mac & Pasta:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Breadcrumb Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 tbsp melted vegan butter
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika

For Garnish:

  • Fresh lime wedges

Step 1

1. Make the Jerk Sauce

In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine:

  • 4 tbsp vegan butter
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup jerk seasoning

Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 2

2. Cook the Daring Breaded Chicken

Choose one method below:

  • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Place frozen Daring pieces in a single layer and cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Bake on a parchment-lined tray for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Stovetop (Shallow Fry): Heat oil over medium heat. Fry Daring for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Remove and set aside once crispy and hot.

Step 3

3. Coat the Wings

Place cooked Daring in a large mixing bowl. Pour the jerk sauce over the top and toss until fully coated.

Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately with vegan ranch or preferred dipping sauce.

Step 4

Instructions for the Mac & Cheese:

1. Cook Pasta:

Boil in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.

2. Make Cheese Sauce:

Drain soaked cashews. In a high-speed blender, combine:

  • Cashews
  • Water
  • Lemon juice
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Turmeric
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Shredded vegan cheddar cheese

Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. Mix & Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish. Add drained pasta and cheese sauce to dish and mix until combined.

4. Add Breadcrumb Topping:

Mix panko, melted vegan butter, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over mac.

5. Bake:

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp on top. Serve hot. And garnish with fresh lime wedges.

Other things to try with DARING.