Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love. It combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy chicken pieces that are drizzled in sweet and spicy hot honey. The blend of gooey cheese and that little kick of heat makes this dish super satisfying every time.
I love making this recipe when I want something cozy but with a fun punch. The hot honey adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice that keeps you coming back for more, and the crunchy chicken on top adds a nice texture contrast that makes it feel extra special. I usually pour a little extra hot honey on mine before digging in—it’s such a simple way to amp up the flavor!
This meal is perfect for sharing with family or friends on a laid-back night. I like serving it with a big green salad to balance out the richness, but honestly, it stands strong on its own too. Whenever I make hot honey chicken mac and cheese, it always brings smiles around the table and a cozy vibe that makes everyone feel right at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds the cheese sauce well and adds a nice bite. You can swap it with shells, cavatappi, or penne if you prefer.
Cheese Mix: Sharp cheddar brings the cheesy tang, mozzarella adds creaminess, and parmesan gives depth. If you want a different flavor, try smoked gouda or Monterey Jack in place of mozzarella.
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts work great for tender bites. You can use thighs for more juiciness or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Hot Honey Sauce: This is the star for that sweet heat. If you don’t have hot honey, mix honey with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to mimic the flavor.
How Can I Make a Smooth, Lumpy-Free Cheese Sauce?
Making the cheese sauce (béchamel) requires patience and good whisking to avoid lumps.
- Melt butter fully, then whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (roux) and cook a bit to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add warmed milk slowly while whisking continually to keep the sauce smooth.
- Cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before adding cheese.
- Remove from heat before stirring in cheese to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
Using warm milk and steady whisking is key for that perfect, creamy sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I love it because it’s perfect for boiling the pasta and making the cheese sauce all in one place.
- Skillet or frying pan – easy for cooking the chicken and giving it that nice, crispy finish.
- Whisk – helps keep your cheese sauce smooth and lump-free.
- Baking dish or oven-safe bowls – great for assembling and broiling the dish for a perfect topping.
- Measuring spoons and cups – useful for getting the right amounts of spices, honey, and cheese.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked bacon or chorizo to add smoky, savory flavors.
- Mix in sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- Replace hot honey with sriracha or hot sauce if you want more heat or a different spicy kick.
- Use a blend of cheeses like Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy taste.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup hot honey sauce (adjust heat as you like)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking time, including the pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce. Add a few extra minutes if you choose to broil for a crispy top! Overall, you’re looking at around 35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook following the package instructions until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside so it’s ready to mix with the cheese sauce.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drizzle with hot honey sauce, tossing to cover well. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. Slowly pour in the warmed milk, whisking steadily to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta well. Transfer the creamy mac and cheese into a baking dish or oven-safe bowls.
5. Top with Hot Honey Chicken and Optional Broil:
Arrange the hot honey chicken pieces evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. If you like a crispy topping, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and add a rosemary sprig for extra aroma if you like. Serve immediately with extra hot honey on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Enjoy your creamy mac and cheese topped with irresistibly sweet and spicy hot honey chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken beforehand by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the cold water method. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to prevent extra moisture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You may want to add a splash of milk to loosen the cheese sauce if it thickens.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and broil right before serving. Keep everything refrigerated until ready to finish.
What Can I Substitute if I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a similar sweet-and-spicy flavor. Adjust the heat level to your taste!
