Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat with this hot honey chicken mac n cheese! Imagine creamy, dreamy macaroni enveloped in a cheesy sauce that’s just begging to be devoured. But wait, we’re not stopping there—oh no! We’re adding tender, shredded chicken and a drizzle of hot honey that kicks it up a notch, bringing a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food, but with a spicy twist that’ll make your taste buds dance! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this hot honey chicken mac n cheese a standout dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni – The classic pasta choice that holds all that creamy goodness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – For that melty, cheesy flavor you simply can’t resist.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for a rich sauce, but you can use what you have.
- 1/4 cup butter – This is what gives our sauce that luscious, buttery taste.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This will help thicken our cheese sauce to perfection.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – For a little extra depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – A touch of warmth and color to our dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season to your liking!
- 1/4 cup hot honey – This is the star of the show, bringing that sweet and spicy kick!
Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. It’ll make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese
Now let’s dive into the steps for creating this mouthwatering hot honey chicken mac n cheese. Trust me, it’s simpler than you think, and the result is pure comfort food bliss!
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First things first, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy—al dente is the way to go! Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside. This is super important because we want to make sure there’s no excess water that could make our dish soupy later on.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it’s melting, grab your whisk and add in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir this mixture for about 2 minutes until it’s all bubbly and fragrant—you want to cook off that raw flour taste! Now, gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until it starts to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes, so don’t rush it! Once you see it bubbling gently and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and stir in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now we’re getting to the good stuff! Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to your cheese sauce. This is where the magic happens—mix it all together until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Don’t be shy, really get in there and make sure every noodle is covered!
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Now, here’s where we add the finishing touch: drizzle that hot honey all over the top. It’s going to give us that sweet and spicy flavor we’re dreaming about! Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and slightly golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Tips for Success
Want to take your hot honey chicken mac n cheese to the next level? I’ve got some handy tips just for you!
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, play around with the amount of hot honey. Start with a little and add more to taste. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you like it spicy!
- Cheese Variety: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Mixing in some pepper jack or gouda can add a delightful twist to the flavor profile.
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, but you can also use leftover grilled chicken or even turkey. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced for easy mixing.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies for added nutrition and flavor. Spinach, broccoli, or even roasted bell peppers can be great additions—just chop them up and toss them in when you combine the ingredients!
- Bacon Lover: If you’re a bacon fan (who isn’t?), crispy bacon bits can add a savory crunch that complements the creaminess perfectly. Just cook some up and sprinkle them in!
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Just assemble everything, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
With these tips, you’ll be a hot honey chicken mac n cheese pro in no time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious hot honey chicken mac n cheese. Remember, these values are estimates, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is a hearty meal packed with flavor, and it’s sure to fill you up! Just keep in mind, it’s always good to enjoy a little indulgence in moderation. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this hot honey chicken mac n cheese? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
What if I don’t have hot honey?
Don’t fret! If you can’t find hot honey, you can make your own by mixing regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon of hot sauce and adjust to your heat preference.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Definitely! You can use any cooked protein you like, such as turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced for easy mixing.
Are there any good side dishes to serve with this?
Oh, for sure! A simple green salad or some roasted vegetables work wonderfully. The freshness helps balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. You could also serve it with garlic bread for an indulgent meal!
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that creaminess!
Can I freeze hot honey chicken mac n cheese?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
What other variations can I try?
The possibilities are endless! You can try different types of cheese, like mozzarella for a stretchy texture, or add in your favorite veggies like spinach or peas. You could even throw in some buffalo sauce for a tangy twist!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions—I love helping you create the best hot honey chicken mac n cheese experience possible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This hot honey chicken mac n cheese comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Combination: The creamy cheese sauce combined with the sweetness of hot honey and tender chicken creates a delightful flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist.
- Comfort Food Appeal: It’s the ultimate comfort food! Rich, cheesy, and just a bit spicy, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes—add more veggies, switch up the cheese, or adjust the heat level with extra hot honey or spices.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish! It’s a great way to introduce some spice without overwhelming their taste buds.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese: 5 Comforting Levels of Yum
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and spicy mac and cheese dish topped with hot honey and chicken.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup hot honey
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add cooked macaroni and chicken. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish and drizzle with hot honey.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your taste.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken mac n cheese
