Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fun twist on two comfort food favorites rolled into one creamy, cheesy dish with a spicy-sweet kick. You get tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, hot honey glaze layered right into the rich, gooey macaroni and cheese. The combination of melty cheese, soft pasta, and the unexpected zing from the hot honey makes this dish stand out in the best way.
I love making this when I want something cozy but with a little excitement on my plate. The blend of spicy and sweet is perfect because it wakes up your taste buds without being too intense. I usually toss the chicken in the hot honey sauce right before serving to keep that fresh sticky coating. It’s one of my go-to meals when friends come over because it’s easy to make but always gets compliments!
This dish is great on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance all the richness. Plus, if you want a little extra heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top adds just that touch of fire. It’s perfect comfort food with a fun twist that makes me want to make it again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni or cavatappi work great here. Both hold sauce well due to their shape. If you don’t have these, shells or penne are good substitutes.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, while mozzarella adds creaminess and meltiness. You can swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or gouda for a different flavor.
Chicken: Boneless thighs are juicier, but breasts work fine too. If you want it faster, rotisserie chicken shredded and tossed in hot honey also works well.
Hot honey: Use store-bought or mix honey with chili flakes for homemade. Adjust heat by adding more or less chili.
How Do You Make a Smooth and Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The cheese sauce is key to creamy mac and cheese. Making a roux first is important:
- Melt butter and stir in flour over medium heat. Cook 1-2 minutes; this removes the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream bit by bit. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Keep whisking until sauce thickens and is silky smooth.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to stop the sauce from breaking.
This process makes the sauce rich, smooth, and perfect for coating pasta evenly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I like a big one to cook the pasta easily without crowding.
- Medium saucepan – perfect for making the cheese sauce smoothly.
- Whisk – helps to combine the ingredients without lumps and keeps the sauce silky.
- Skillet or frying pan – ideal for cooking the chicken to get a nice sear and char.
- Tongs or spoon – useful for tossing the chicken with hot honey and mixing everything together.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy, especially with hot honey and spices.
- Serving bowl or plates – for a pretty presentation and easy serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked boneless chicken thighs, or even shrimp, for a seafood twist that cooks quickly.
- Mix in roasted veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
- Stir in a dash of hot sauce or additional cayenne pepper if you want more spice.
- Top with crumbled bacon or overeasy fried eggs for extra richness and flavor.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey + chili flakes)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend 10 minutes cooking pasta and chicken, 10 minutes preparing the creamy cheese sauce, and 5 minutes assembling everything. It’s quick enough for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (soft but with a slight bite), according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux without browning. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens and is smooth (about 5 minutes). Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to get a nice sear. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until cooked through and nicely charred. Remove from heat.
4. Coat the Chicken with Hot Honey:
Drizzle the hot honey over the cooked chicken pieces and toss gently to coat each piece evenly, letting it become sticky and flavorful.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated. Spoon the hot honey chicken on top of the macaroni and cheese.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. If you like, add an extra drizzle of hot honey or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese topped with spicy-sweet, sticky hot honey chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand—preferably overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat the chicken dry to get a nice sear when cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese and cook the chicken separately, then store both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the mac and cheese gently on the stove or microwave, then toss the chicken with hot honey again before serving to keep it sticky.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the mac and cheese over low heat on the stove and stir occasionally, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick. Warm the chicken separately and toss with hot honey again to refresh the flavor.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! To reduce heat, use less cayenne and chili powder or mild hot honey. For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving. You can also experiment with different types of chili powders to tweak the flavor profile.
