Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a sweet-spicy honey glaze. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that pleases both kids and adults alike.

A white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese forms the base layer, showing soft, pale yellow elbow pasta coated in glossy cheese sauce. On top, there are several golden brown, crispy chicken strips with a shiny glaze, arranged closely in the center. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly over the chicken, adding color contrast. The photo is sharp, capturing the textures of the crispy chicken crust and smooth, melted cheese clearly, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for roux)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon oil or butter (for frying)
1/3 cup hot honey (or to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and cook until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7: Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 8: Heat the oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.
Step 9: Brush or spoon hot honey over the cooked chicken while it is still warm.
Step 10: Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish and place the glazed chicken on top.
Step 11: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
Step 12: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use spicier hot honey.
Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time to ensure they stay juicy.
Try mixing in some cooked bacon or caramelized onions for added flavor.
Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a balanced cheese flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep the mac and cheese creamy.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy, golden-yellow macaroni and cheese, the pasta having a smooth and slightly glossy texture. On top of the pasta, there are three thick, rectangular pieces of crispy, browned, and glazed seitan placed close together on the left side, showing a shiny and textured surface. The macaroni is sprinkled with small bits of finely chopped green parsley, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the dish. The bowl rests on a wooden surface with a backdrop of green blurred leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, cavatappi, or penne works well as it holds the cheese sauce nicely.

How spicy is the hot honey?

The heat level depends on the brand or recipe of hot honey used. You can control the spice by adjusting the amount or choosing mild to extra spicy versions.

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining creamy mac and cheese with crispy pan-fried chicken thighs glazed in spicy, sweet hot honey. The dish is baked to bubbly perfection, making it a perfect hearty meal with a balance of savory, cheesy, and sweet heat flavors.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Cheese Sauce

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for roux)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon oil or butter (for frying)
1/3 cup hot honey (or to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the finished dish.
Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste, which will thicken the sauce.
Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk to the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until fully melted into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a golden crust.
Glaze Chicken with Hot Honey: While the chicken is still warm, brush or spoon 1/3 cup of hot honey over each piece for a spicy-sweet glaze.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish and place the glazed chicken thighs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the mac and cheese is bubbling and lightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for a rich and flavorful meal.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of hot honey according to your preferred spice level.
For a crispier chicken skin, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Using whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with 2% milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to swap elbow macaroni for other short pasta shapes like shells or penne.

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Chicken Bake, Comfort Food, Spicy Chicken, Baked Mac and Cheese