Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese: 7 Irresistible Flavor Layers

September 26, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *hot honey chicken mac n cheese*! This dish is a creamy, dreamy twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love. Imagine the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, but then you add in tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds dancing! I whipped this up one night when I wanted something comforting yet exciting—and trust me, it did not disappoint! The combination of the creamy cheese sauce with that little kick from the hot honey is absolutely irresistible. It’s become a family favorite, and I just know it will be in yours too! Get ready for some serious deliciousness!

hot honey chicken mac n cheese - detail 1

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering *hot honey chicken mac n cheese*. I promise, it’s all simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store!

2 cups elbow macaroni: This is your classic pasta shape that holds onto all that creamy goodness.
1 lb chicken breast, diced: Tender, juicy chicken that adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish.
1 cup hot honey: This is where the magic happens! It brings that delightful sweet heat that elevates the whole recipe.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, this cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.
1 cup milk: Helps create that luscious, creamy sauce. I usually go for whole milk for extra richness!
2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the chicken and adding a rich flavor to the dish.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken your cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that extra layer of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: It complements the garlic and adds depth to the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential to bring out all the flavors! Don’t skimp on this!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a comforting bowl of joy! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making this *hot honey chicken mac n cheese* is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!

First, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want them al dente since they’ll soak up all that cheesy goodness later!
While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the diced chicken.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen—yum!
Now, pour in that glorious hot honey and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Trust me, you’ll want to taste it at this point!
In a separate saucepan, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is really going to elevate the cheese sauce!
Slowly add the milk while whisking until it’s smooth and lump-free. Cook this mixture over medium heat until it starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s melted and creamy. This is the moment you’ll want to savor!
Finally, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and the hot honey chicken. Mix it all together until everything is coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.
Serve hot, and watch everyone dig in with big smiles!

And there you have it! A bowl of pure comfort that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare: You can whip this up in just 35 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful combination of spicy and creamy: The hot honey adds a delightful kick, perfectly balancing the creamy cheese sauce. It’s a taste sensation that will leave you craving more!
Comfort food with a twist: This isn’t your average mac and cheese! With the addition of hot honey chicken, it’s an exciting take on a classic dish that feels both familiar and new.
Perfect for weeknight dinners: It’s hearty and satisfying, making it an ideal meal for the whole family. Everyone will love digging into this flavorful bowl of goodness!
Gluten-free option available: Swap out the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go! Everyone can enjoy this comforting dish without worry.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your *hot honey chicken mac n cheese* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve gathered over the years:

Adjust hot honey for desired spice level: If you’re feeling bold, go ahead and add a little extra hot honey for more heat! But if you prefer a milder flavor, just use a bit less. It’s all about finding that perfect balance that suits your taste buds!
Experiment with different pasta shapes: While elbow macaroni is classic, don’t be afraid to switch things up! Fusilli, penne, or even shells work wonderfully and hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
Ensure cheese is fully melted for creaminess: When you’re making that cheese sauce, take your time stirring until every last bit of cheese is melted and incorporated. This will give you that dreamy, creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting!

These little tips can make a big difference, so keep them in mind as you whip up this delicious dish! Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your *hot honey chicken mac n cheese*! Here are some of my favorite variations that add a whole new twist to this already delicious dish:

Use different proteins: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option! Both will soak up that delicious hot honey glaze and bring their own unique flavors to the table.
Add vegetables: Sneak in some nutrition by tossing in fresh spinach or steamed broccoli! They not only add a pop of color but also a nice crunch that complements the creamy texture perfectly.
Experiment with different cheese types: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some extra spice, or even a tangy goat cheese! Each cheese brings its own personality and flavor to the dish.

These variations can keep your *hot honey chicken mac n cheese* fresh and exciting, so don’t hesitate to try something new each time you make it! Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this amazing *hot honey chicken mac n cheese*! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re working with in terms of a hearty meal.

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 600
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 30g

This dish packs a punch with its protein content, thanks to the chicken and cheese, making it a filling option for a main dish. Just remember, if you’re keeping an eye on calories or sodium, you might want to adjust your portion size or ingredients accordingly. Enjoy every bite of this cheesy, spicy goodness!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this incredible *hot honey chicken mac n cheese* and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy that cheesy goodness again!

First, let the mac and cheese cool down a bit before storing. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it if you’ve got a lot of tasty leftovers—trust me, I’ve lost a few meals in the depths of my fridge before!

When you’re ready to dig back in, reheating is super simple. You can either pop it in the microwave for a quick meal—just cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel to keep it moist—and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat it on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of milk to help bring back that creamy texture, and stir until it’s heated to your liking. Easy peasy!

And there you go! Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first round. Dig in!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this delicious *hot honey chicken mac n cheese*? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my tips to make this dish even more enjoyable:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and creaminess to the dish, so experiment until you find your perfect combo!

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you’re looking to crank up the heat, you can add more hot honey to the chicken or toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Another fun option is to use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra punch. Just remember, it’s all about balancing the spice to suit your taste!

What can I serve with hot honey chicken mac n cheese?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, I recommend serving it with a crisp side salad or some roasted veggies. A light Caesar salad or some sautéed green beans would pair perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.