Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

This hot honey chicken mac n cheese transforms ordinary comfort food into an extraordinary dinner experience that your family will request again and again. Ready in just over an hour with a manageable 35 minutes of prep time, this crowd pleasing dish combines creamy, cheesy pasta with sweet spicy glazed chicken for a comforting meal that excites every palate. The balance of velvety mac and cheese and sticky, bold hot honey chicken truly elevates weeknight dinners with flavors that taste like they took all day to build.

I first tried this hot honey chicken mac n cheese recipe when I needed a wow factor dish for dinner guests, but had limited time to cook. The blend of classic mac and cheese comfort with the modern twist of hot honey glazed chicken resulted in nothing but empty plates and people asking for seconds. It has since become my signature crowd pleaser—one I count on whenever I want to impress both comfort food purists and adventurous eaters at the same table.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni (2 cups): Holds sauce perfectly and is traditional for mac n cheese, though you can swap for penne or shells if preferred
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for a smooth, flavorful roux base; use real butter for best results
• All purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the cheese sauce without making it gummy; can substitute with gluten free flour if needed
• Whole milk (2 cups): Brings richness and creamy body to the sauce, better than lower fat milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (1 and a half cups): Avoid pre shredded varieties which melt poorly; use from a block for the creamiest texture
• Mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded (1 cup): Adds signature stretch and mild flavor; substitute with Monterey Jack if you prefer
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balanced flavors throughout every step of the dish
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle depth without overpowering, and saves time compared to minced garlic
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and subtle smoky color to the chicken, can swap with smoked paprika for different flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Juicier than breast meat and holds up better to bold flavors; breasts may be used but require less cooking time
• Oil or butter for frying (1 tablespoon): Ensures chicken develops a golden crust; use neutral oil or additional butter
• Hot honey (one third cup): Key for the sweet and spicy glaze; homemade or store bought both work, adjust amount to desired heat
• Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds color and bright freshness for an attractive finish

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and set out all your ingredients, measuring and shredding cheese ahead. This makes the cooking process smooth and minimizes last minute scrambling. A well prepared workspace is crucial for building the cheese sauce without stress or delays.

Cook the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add elbow macaroni. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions for true al dente, as the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse so the starchy coating helps the sauce adhere.

Create a Silky Cheese Sauce:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for exactly 1 minute to eliminate raw taste and develop nutty aroma without browning. Gradually whisk in whole milk in increments, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, a key sign of readiness for cheese incorporation.

Transform Sauce into Cheesy Perfection:

Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses by the handful, stirring each time until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauce should be thickness of heavy cream, coating the spoon. Add a splash of milk to thin or simmer slightly longer if too thick.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Fold drained pasta into the finished cheese sauce using a rubber spatula, distributing evenly. Pour the mixture into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, spreading in an even layer but without compacting to keep a creamy interior texture.

Prepare the Chicken for Maximum Flavor:

Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Rubbing the seasoning in ensures deep flavor that stands up to the sweet and spicy glaze.

Cook Chicken to Juicy Perfection:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high until shimmering. Cook chicken undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. The exterior should be golden and crisp for max flavor and juiciness.

Apply the Signature Hot Honey Glaze:

With pan off heat, immediately brush hot honey generously over each chicken piece, turning to coat. The residual warmth will let honey seep into the chicken. Let rest for 2 minutes to soak up the flavor before slicing or leaving whole.

Assemble for Baking:

Arrange glazed chicken over the mac and cheese in the baking dish, either whole for presentation or sliced for easier serving. Drizzle any extra hot honey from the pan on top to boost flavor and create a glossy finish.

Bake to Bubbling Perfection:

Bake assembled dish in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are bubbling and the top forms a light golden crust. Watch closely at the end so it stays creamy but achieves a satisfying finish.

Final Touches for Presentation:

Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the cheese sauce set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for vibrant color and a hint of herbal freshness; serve extra hot honey at the table if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

Portion generous helpings while still warm, ensuring each plate gets balanced mac and cheese with glazed chicken. The mix of sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory flavors is addictive and guaranteed to please.

The first time I brought a casserole dish of hot honey chicken mac n cheese to a family gathering, even relatives who claimed to avoid spicy foods went back for seconds. What I love most is its nuanced warmth rather than intense heat—the honey mellows the spices and makes the whole dish addictive. There is always a little extra competition for leftovers whenever I serve it, and it has quickly become a reliable family favorite for both special occasions and ordinary evenings.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This adaptable hot honey chicken mac n cheese recipe makes it easy to use up ingredients you have on hand or fit your preferences. Try different short pastas like shells, cavatappi, or penne for a fun texture change. Swap in chicken breast if preferred, but watch cook times carefully so it does not dry out. Stir half a teaspoon of smoked paprika into the cheese sauce for added smokiness, or blend in a quarter cup of cream cheese to boost richness. For even more heat, dice jalapeno into the sauce or simply drizzle extra hot honey before serving. For a vegetarian take, omit the chicken and top with roasted vegetables tossed in hot honey—they pair beautifully with the creamy mac base.

How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Store leftover hot honey chicken mac n cheese in airtight containers within two hours of preparation for maximum freshness. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days, and always add a small splash of milk before reheating to restore the original creaminess. For individual portions, use the microwave at 70 percent power and stir halfway through; larger portions reheat best in a covered 325°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The mac and cheese portion alone freezes very well for up to 2 months, though for optimal texture freeze without chicken and reheat gently after thawing.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Pair this rich and creamy mac n cheese with refreshing sides that add brightness or crunch for a balanced meal. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness, while steamed or roasted broccoli soaks up cheese sauce and brings nutrition. Serve pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast or offer garlic bread for comfort food enthusiasts. For a special touch, add a cucumber and tomato salad or a chilled white wine to complete your comfort food experience.

Nutritional Benefits

Though hot honey chicken mac n cheese is classic comfort food, it delivers impressive nutritional value. Chicken and cheeses provide ample protein for muscle support and satiety, while whole milk and cheddar supply calcium for bone health. Pasta offers complex carbohydrates for extended energy, and the honey contributes trace antioxidants and natural antimicrobial properties. Using hot honey adds capsaicin, which may briefly stimulate metabolism for an extra health bonus, and swapping in whole wheat pasta increases fiber content.

Recipe Success Tips

Troubleshooting is simple for hot honey chicken mac n cheese with a few key tricks. If your cheese sauce turns grainy, avoid boiling after adding the cheese and use freshly shredded blocks for best melt. To correct pasta that is too soft, reduce the boiling time further before baking since the oven finish continues cooking. Always let the casserole rest before serving to firm up the sauce, and if your hot honey crystallizes, gently warm it in the microwave or place the container in warm water. Having all ingredients at room temperature helps produce the creamiest sauce every single time.

This hot honey chicken mac n cheese never fails to deliver the ultimate comfort food experience, combining richness and craveable spice in every bite. Try it once and you will find yourself returning to this recipe whenever you want to impress your guests or satisfy the whole family with a spectacularly flavorful meal.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What kind of hot honey works best?

Use any store-bought hot honey or make your own by combining honey with a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your taste preference.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of thighs?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken makes a quick substitute. Drizzle it with hot honey before adding to the mac and cheese for similar flavor.

→ How do I prevent the cheese sauce from separating?

Slowly whisk warm milk into the roux and add cheese off heat to avoid overheating, which can cause separation or graininess.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

You can assemble the mac and cheese and chicken up to a day ahead. Refrigerate, then bake just before serving to keep the topping fresh.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli balance the richness and round out the meal perfectly.