Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is an ultimate comfort dish that brings together creamy, cheesy pasta with spiced, pan-seared chicken all finished with an irresistible sweet and spicy drizzle. It is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal with a fun flavor twist.

When I first made this with my kids, the cheesy macaroni was an instant hit but the hot honey drizzle really surprised everyone. Now we always make extra for topping veggies or biscuits.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta: gives a classic, twisty base that holds the sauce well look for bronze-cut pasta for extra sauce hold
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: provides bold melty flavor choose blocks and shred at home for best melting
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: brings stretch and extra creaminess opt for low-moisture mozzarella to avoid watery sauce
• Whole milk: makes the sauce rich and smooth go for full-fat if possible
• Unsalted butter: allows you to control seasoning use fresh for the richest flavor
• All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce and makes it silky sift if clumpy for the smoothest result
• Garlic powder and onion powder: layer in savory flavor check freshness for maximum aroma
• Salt and pepper: essential for balance taste the sauce before finishing
• Chicken thighs or breasts: provide protein and soak up spices thighs are juicier if you prefer
• Olive oil: coats the chicken and helps spices adhere extra virgin for best taste
• Smoked paprika: gives subtle smokiness and color seek out Spanish smoked varieties
• Cayenne pepper and chili powder: add heat adjust to your spice comfort level
• Honey: adds a luscious sweetness and sheen use pure wildflower or local for best aroma
• Hot sauce: brings tang and spicy depth choose your personal favorite for signature flavor
• Fresh parsley: brightens up the final dish double-check that your bunch is fresh and crisp

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add your macaroni or cavatappi and cook while stirring every couple of minutes. Let the pasta cook until it is just al dente so it does not become mushy once combined with the sauce. Drain thoroughly and briefly rinse if you like a silkier sauce.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Set a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it fully melt but do not let it brown. Stir in the flour and cook the mixture for at least one to two minutes until the raw smell disappears and it has a warm, nutty aroma. Using a whisk, slowly stream in the milk, whisking constantly so no lumps form. Raise the heat just enough to bring the mix to a bubble. Add garlic and onion powder, then season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat as soon as the mixture thickens and slowly sprinkle in both shredded cheeses, stirring until everything melts into a completely smooth, glossy sauce. Add the drained pasta and fold together carefully. Keep the pot on the lowest heat to prevent the sauce from clumping while you prepare the chicken.

Cook the Chicken:

Combine your chicken pieces in a medium bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly so every piece is well-coated. Heat a skillet over medium high until it is hot and shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in an even layer and let them sear without moving for a few minutes to develop a deep crust. Turn the chicken and continue to cook until every piece is golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.

Prepare the Hot Honey Drizzle:

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish, warm the honey just until it flows easily. Stir in your chosen hot sauce until the mixture is uniform in color and taste. It should be sweet with an immediate, friendly heat.

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon generous portions of the creamy mac and cheese onto plates or shallow bowls. Scatter the hot chicken pieces on top, then drizzle the warm hot honey all over the chicken. Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh finish and a hint of color. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while everything is at its hottest and most fragrant.

Cheddar cheese is my must-have for this recipe. Its sharp flavor perfectly balances the honey drizzle and spice. The first time I made this dish was on a rainy weekend with my niece and nephew and we all kept going back for more even after dinner was done.

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any quick-cooking pasta shape you enjoy or try gluten free pasta if needed. Swap out mozzarella for Monterey Jack to change up the flavor profile. Boneless chicken breasts offer a leaner choice, while thighs stay extra juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Pile the mac and cheese onto a platter for sharing. It pairs well with steamed green veggies, a crisp salad, or cornbread. Keep the hot honey sauce on the side for guests to adjust their own spice level.

Cultural Context

This dish is a playful mashup of Southern hot honey chicken with classic American mac and cheese comfort. That combination of sweet heat and creamy richness is a staple at many family gatherings and always starts conversations around the table.

Seasonal Adaptations

Mix in roasted squash or pumpkin puree in the fall for extra color and sweetness. Use green peas or fresh asparagus tips in spring for brightness. Swap in grilled summer veggies like zucchini or corn for a smoky note.

Success Stories

Several friends have made this for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings and told me it disappears fast. One parent shared that their picky eater requested seconds after trying the chicken with the honey drizzle for the first time.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the finished dish cool completely then portion into freezer safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen on gentle heat. Add a fresh splash of hot honey and parsley to serve.

This creamy mac and cheese with spiced chicken and hot honey is sure to bring bold flavor to your table. Serve it hot, share with friends, and enjoy every comforting bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is the hot honey chicken mac and cheese?

The heat level is easy to adjust. Reduce cayenne and use less hot sauce for milder spice, or add more for extra kick.

→ Can I substitute different cheeses?

Yes, you can replace the cheddar and mozzarella with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a favorite melty cheese blend for new flavor notes.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Elbow macaroni and cavatappi hold the creamy cheese sauce well, but penne, shells, or rotini are also great choices.

→ How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Whisk the roux constantly and add milk slowly to prevent lumps, then melt the cheese gradually over low heat for silkiness.

→ Is it possible to make the dish ahead?

The mac and cheese base can be prepared ahead. Add freshly cooked chicken and hot honey just before serving for best texture.