Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

If you’re craving comfort food with a fiery twist, look no further than this Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese. Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets tender, spicy chicken glazed in sweet and spicy hot honey for an unforgettable meal. This dish perfectly balances heat and sweetness, making it irresistible for any weeknight dinner or cozy weekend feast. Plus, it’s incredibly straightforward to make with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner rotation!

Top Reasons to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich cheeses, smoky spices, and a drizzle of hot honey creates a complex yet comforting flavor profile.
• One-Dish Wonder: It’s all made in one pot or skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing satisfaction.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the cayenne and hot honey to suit your spice tolerance, making it perfect for the whole family.
• Protein-Packed: Diced chicken adds a hearty protein boost to classic mac and cheese.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner when time is tight.
• Versatile Pairing: Goes wonderfully with sides like Cornbread With Honey Butter or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto creamy sauce perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the roux and adds flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
• 2 cups milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest results.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor and melts smoothly.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretchiness and mild creaminess.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein seasoned and cooked to perfection.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic for a well-rounded flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides smokiness and color.
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Brings heat—adjust to your liking.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every component.
• 4 tablespoons hot honey: The star ingredient—sweet with a spicy kick.
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.

Setup & Equipment

• Large pot: To boil the macaroni perfectly al dente.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the chicken and making the cheese sauce.
• Whisk: To blend the roux and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and mixing the mac and cheese.

How to Prepare Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking continuously. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Macaroni, Chicken, and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Hot Honey and Garnish

Drizzle 4 tablespoons of hot honey over the mac and cheese and chicken mixture. Give it a light stir to distribute the sweet heat without losing its distinct flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

• Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives such as cashew-based cheddar and mozzarella-style shreds.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
• Pasta Alternatives: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni or other gluten-free pasta shapes.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overcooking the pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after mixing with the sauce.
• Skipping the roux: The butter and flour mixture is crucial for a creamy, thick sauce—don’t rush this step.
• Using low-quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheeses melt better and taste richer than pre-shredded varieties with additives.
• Overheating the sauce: Keep the heat low when melting cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
• Not seasoning adequately: Salt and spices are key to balancing the heat and sweetness in this dish.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Allow the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much during storage to restore creaminess.

While reheating, you can add an extra drizzle of hot honey for a fresh burst of flavor.

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap it for shells, penne, or cavatappi. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?

The cayenne pepper and hot honey provide a moderate kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon and use less hot honey or choose a milder variety.

What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook everything up to the step of combining the pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce. Store components separately and assemble just before reheating to keep the pasta from getting soggy.

Can I freeze Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese?

Freezing is possible but may slightly affect the texture of the cheese sauce. For best results, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Craving more chicken dinner ideas? Try the flavorful Baked Bbq Chicken Drumsticks for an easy crowd-pleaser.
• If you love cheesy pasta, the Instant Pot Broccoli Mac And Cheese adds a healthy veggie twist to your comfort food favorites.
• For a perfect side, nothing beats the sweet and buttery goodness of Cornbread With Honey Butter, a classic pairing to any Southern-inspired meal.

Time to Try It

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a brilliant blend of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and sweet flavors that your family and friends will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe delivers comforting satisfaction with a delightful kick. Gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to fall in love with this elevated mac and cheese experience!

Share on Pinterest