Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese! This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a sweet, spicy kick that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whenever I serve this at family gatherings or cozy nights in, it disappears faster than I can say “mac and cheese.” Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s just bursting with flavor that elevates the classic dish to a whole new level!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz elbow macaroni – this is your classic pasta choice that cooks up perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1 cup milk – I prefer whole milk for that extra creaminess, but any milk works!
- 2 tbsp butter – unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – this thickens your cheese sauce just right.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – adds a subtle kick of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – for a little warmth.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded – this is the star of the show, adding protein and heartiness.
- 1/4 cup hot honey – drizzle this golden goodness for that sweet and spicy flavor boost!
How to Prepare Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure it’s bubbling but not browning.
- Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This step is crucial for thickening your cheese sauce, so keep stirring!
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens up nicely.
- Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is super creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix everything together until well-coated. Don’t be shy—get in there and stir!
- Finally, top the mac and cheese with your shredded chicken. Drizzle that delicious hot honey over the chicken, and give it a little stir if you like.
- Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time – You can whip this up in just 35 minutes!
- Creamy texture – The cheese sauce is irresistibly smooth and comforting.
- Sweet and spicy flavor balance – The hot honey adds a delightful twist that elevates every bite.
- Comfort food appeal – It’s the ultimate cozy dish that warms your heart and tummy.
- Versatile for different occasions – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in!
Tips for Success
To make your Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, don’t skimp on the cheese; using a mix of sharp cheddar and a melty cheese like Monterey Jack can elevate the creaminess. When making the roux, keep the heat moderate—too high and it can burn! If you want a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes. Lastly, feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot honey or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
For a serving of Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese, you can expect approximately 600 calories, with 25g of fat, 35g of protein, and 60g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy this delicious dish, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic, feel free to mix in mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, it is! Just make sure to use gluten-free pasta and flour to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You sure can! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the hot honey before serving.
What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese? It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
How spicy is the hot honey? It depends on the brand, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese (which is rare in my house!), you can store it easily. Just transfer any cooled mac and cheese into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to ensure even warmth. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese! I love pairing it with a fresh, crunchy side salad—something with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Grilled asparagus or roasted broccoli also make fantastic accompaniments, adding a pop of color and nutrients. If you’re in the mood for a heartier side, garlic bread is always a hit! And don’t forget a refreshing drink; a crisp iced tea or sparkling lemonade can really complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the dish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For a great side salad, you might enjoy this creamy garlic chicken salad recipe!
And if you’re looking for a dessert to pair with your meal, consider this strawberry cheesecake for a sweet finish!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese: 7 Comforting Flavors
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and spicy mac and cheese dish topped with hot honey glazed chicken.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/4 cup hot honey
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour, stirring to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
- Stir in cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Top with shredded chicken.
- Drizzle hot honey over the chicken.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your taste.
- Use different types of cheese for variety.
- This dish can be baked for a crispy top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Dish, Comfort Food