If you love creamy comfort food with a delightful kick, then the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is just the dish to brighten your dinner table. This recipe brilliantly blends velvety mac and cheese with succulent, spicy-sweet chicken thighs glazed in hot honey, creating a harmonious dance of flavors and textures that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to meal when you crave something cozy but with an exciting twist.

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on the right ingredients is what lays the foundation for this delicious Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese. Each component is simple yet plays a crucial part—whether it’s the sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella melting into the pasta, or the spices that perfectly season the chicken thighs to complement the luscious honey glaze.

Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic pasta shape is perfect for holding onto creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for roux): Adds rich flavor and helps create the smooth base for the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the cheese sauce for that irresistibly creamy texture.
Whole milk (2 cups): Ensures a velvety consistency and rich mouthfeel in your mac and cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Brings that classic, tangy cheddar flavor that’s essential in mac and cheese.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Gives a melty, stretchy texture that adds extra gooey goodness.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors throughout the dish perfectly.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 lb): Tender, juicy chicken that’s ideal for frying and glazing.
Oil or butter (1 tablespoon for frying): Helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
Hot honey (1/3 cup, or to taste): The star ingredient that adds sweet heat and unforgettable flavor to the chicken.
Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A fresh, herbaceous touch for garnish that brightens up the presentation.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until just al dente, which means the pasta should still have a little bite to it so it doesn’t get mushy after baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside; this is the base that will soak up all the creamy goodness later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Next, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce nicely. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, then blend in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until everything is melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the cheese sauce is coming together, season your chicken thighs generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken thighs for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re cooked through and golden brown. This step ensures juicy, flavorful meat with a slightly crisp exterior.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken with Hot Honey

Once the chicken is cooked and still warm, brush or generously spoon the hot honey over the thighs. The contrast of the fiery, sweet glaze on perfectly cooked chicken is what truly sets this Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese apart and makes every bite memorable.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your cheesy macaroni into a baking dish and arrange the glazed chicken thighs on top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbling and the top has a lovely light golden crust that hints at the richness underneath.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now your Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is ready to enjoy—comfort food elevated to a whole new level!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Garnishes

A simple garnish like chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the rich, spicy flavors. For a little extra crunch, try scattering some toasted breadcrumbs on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and hearty, so pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans works beautifully. The freshness and crunch of the sides add contrast and lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy crowd-pleaser, serve individual portions of the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese in small oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and a drizzle of hot honey. Another fun idea is to layer the mac and cheese and chicken in a large cast-iron skillet, baking it until bubbly, then serving it straight from the pan for a rustic, communal feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more beautifully overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it fantastic for meal prep. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain that creamy texture once reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm the mac and cheese gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally to keep that cheesy sauce silky and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when pan-fried, making them ideal for this recipe.

How spicy is the hot honey in this dish?

The hot honey adds a moderate heat with a sweet kick that complements the richness of the mac and cheese. Adjust the amount to your taste if you prefer milder or spicier flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes, then drizzle with hot honey. The mac and cheese base is naturally vegetarian.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the dish its characteristic tang, while mozzarella adds gooey texture. You can experiment with Monterey Jack or gouda for different flavor profiles.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Minus a little of the hot honey if preferred, kids tend to love the creamy mac and cheese with mild, flavorful chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with exciting flavors, the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is going to steal your heart and palate in the best way. Diving into creamy cheese, tender chicken, and that unforgettable hot honey glaze is a pure joy. Don’t wait to try this recipe—it’s the perfect way to cozy up any meal with a delicious twist!

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 20 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection, glazed with a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle, then baked atop creamy, cheesy macaroni. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish combines rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a hint of spice for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste and starts to bubble.
Add Milk & Thicken: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Cheese Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta & Cheese: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
Season Chicken: Season 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Glaze Chicken: While the chicken is still warm, brush or spoon 1/3 cup of hot honey over the cooked thighs to evenly coat with a spicy-sweet glaze.
Assemble & Bake: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Arrange the glazed chicken thighs on top of the mac and cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden on top.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use whole milk for a creamier cheese sauce, but you can substitute 2% milk for a lighter version.
Hot honey can be store-bought or made by infusing honey with chili flakes.
Feel free to substitute chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
For extra crispy chicken, bake for an additional 5 minutes after glazing.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Frying, Baking
Cuisine: American