Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy comfort with a little spicy-sweet kick from the hot honey drizzle. It combines tender pieces of chicken, gooey macaroni and cheese, and that unexpected touch of heat balanced by honey’s natural sweetness. This dish is all about bold flavors that come together to create something fun and satisfying.
I love making this recipe on a cozy night when I want something easy but interesting. The hot honey topping really makes it special—it adds just enough spice without overpowering the creamy mac and cheese base. Plus, it’s super simple to drizzle over and makes each bite exciting. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly crust that’s hard to resist.
This dish is a hit whenever I serve it to friends or family. It’s casual and comforting but still feels a little fancy with the spicy honey touch. I like pairing it with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser with a warm, friendly twist, this Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese will do the trick every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni or cavatappi work great here because they hold onto the cheese sauce well. If you prefer gluten-free, look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star for that classic mac and cheese flavor, and mozzarella adds gooey stretchiness. You can swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or fontina if you like a milder cheese.
Chicken: Bite-sized chicken breast pieces are easy to cook quickly and get crispy edges. For a different texture, try chicken thighs which stay juicy and tender.
Hot Honey: This is the sweet and spicy twist. If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy and Flavorful Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken perfectly here is key since it’s the spicy-sweet highlight. Follow these steps:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to encourage browning.
- Coat pieces evenly with your spice mix so every bite has bold flavor.
- Heat the oil well before adding chicken to get a crispy crust.
- Cook chicken on medium-high heat without crowding the pan; it helps the chicken sear instead of steam.
- Turn pieces only when the first side is golden brown to avoid losing moisture.
- Drizzle hot honey at the end and toss quickly to keep the honey sticky but not burned.
This method keeps the chicken juicy inside with a great spicy crunch outside, perfect for topping your creamy mac and cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling pasta, I like a big one to prevent splashes and overflows.
- Medium saucepan – essential for making the cheese sauce, it helps keep everything smooth.
- Whisk – I use this to stir the cheese sauce without lumps and to incorporate the flour and milk evenly.
- Sauté skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking the seasoned chicken until crispy and golden.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep the spices and ingredients precise for the best flavor.
- Optional baking dish & broiler – if you want a bubbly, baked top, use an oven-safe dish and broiler for finishing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon or pancetta instead of chicken for a smoky twist.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Incorporate different cheeses such as pepper Jack or blue cheese for extra richness and complexity.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the cheese sauce for more heat, perfect if you like your dish super spicy.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
- 3 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30-40 minutes total. Plan for 10 minutes to prep and cook the pasta, 10-15 minutes to make the cheese sauce and the creamy mac, and another 10-15 minutes to cook and coat the chicken with hot honey. If you want to broil for a golden finish, add a few extra minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you make the cheese sauce.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth roux and just begins to turn golden. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until all noodles are coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
4. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
5. Add Hot Honey:
Drizzle the hot honey over the cooked chicken in the skillet and toss quickly to coat the chicken evenly with that spicy-sweet glaze.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out the cheesy mac into bowls or plates. Top with the hot honey chicken pieces and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprig of rosemary for a burst of color and aroma.
7. Optional Baked Finish:
If you want a golden bubbly top, transfer the fully assembled mac and cheese with chicken to a baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Enjoy your comforting, creamy mac and cheese with the delicious kick of hot honey chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or submerge the sealed bag in cold water for faster thawing. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice crispy sear.
Can I Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese and cooked chicken separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the cheese sauce if it thickens too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.
Can I Adjust the Heat Level of the Hot Honey?
Definitely! Adjust the cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning or add more or less hot honey to control heat. For less spice, use mild honey or mix hot honey with plain honey to soften the kick.
