Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect mix of cheesy comfort and a little kick of sweetness. This dish brings together creamy mac and cheese, crispy chicken pieces, and a drizzle of spicy honey that adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness to keep things interesting.
I love making this when I want something both cozy and exciting. The crispy chicken on top gives a nice crunch, while the hot honey adds a surprising touch that makes everyone ask for seconds. I like to adjust the heat level with the honey, so it’s just right for my taste—it’s fun to experiment with!
This dish is fantastic as a hearty dinner or a special treat for friends and family. I often serve it with a simple green salad just to balance out the richness. It’s one of those meals that feels special but is actually pretty easy to throw together, making it a regular favorite in my kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni or cavatappi work great here because they hold the cheese sauce well. If you can’t find them, penne or rotini are good alternatives.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bold flavor. Mozzarella adds creaminess, and Parmesan builds depth. You can swap mozzarella for fontina or Monterey Jack for a similar melt.
Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken keeps things quick. I like to pan-sear chicken breasts for a crispy edge but rotisserie chicken works well if you’re short on time.
Hot Honey: This is the star for flavor contrast. If you can’t get hot honey, mix honey with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to taste. Adjust the heat based on preference.
How Do You Make the Creamiest Cheese Sauce Without It Clumping?
Making a smooth, creamy cheese sauce starts with a good roux. Melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring as it thickens to prevent burning or sticking.
- Lower the heat before adding cheese. Adding cheese on too high heat can make the sauce grainy.
- Add cheese in small handfuls, stirring gently until melted.
Patience here pays off with a silky sauce that coats every pasta piece perfectly!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for cooking the pasta easily and quickly.
- Skillet or frying pan – to cook the chicken with a nice sear and crispy edges.
- Saucepan – for making the cheese sauce; a wide one helps stir easily.
- Whisk – to blend the roux and milk smoothly into a rich cheese sauce.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the right spice levels and cheese measurements.
- Serving spoon or tongs – to mix the pasta with sauce and to plate.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use rotisserie chicken for ease or swap in cooked shredded turkey for a different flavor.
- Mix in cooked bacon or smoked sausage for extra richness and smoky flavor.
- Stir in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or jalapeños for added color and bite.
- Replace hot honey with spicy sriracha or chili oil if you want a different kind of heat.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
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
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (or chicken tenders)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
To Finish:
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend time cooking the pasta, preparing and cooking the chicken, and making the creamy cheese sauce. The whole meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni or cavatappi pasta until it’s al dente (tender but still a little firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove it from the heat, let it rest a few minutes, then slice into strips or shred.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until lightly golden and bubbling (this is your roux). Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Turn the heat to low and mix in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to your creamy cheese sauce. Gently stir so every piece is coated with cheese goodness.
5. Serve and Finish with Hot Honey:
Place the cheesy pasta on plates or bowls. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle the hot honey evenly over the chicken for a tasty sweet and spicy kick. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese—perfectly creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat and sweetness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better searing.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mac and cheese and chicken separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce if needed.
What’s a Good Substitute for Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to taste. Alternatively, sriracha or chili oil can add a different but delicious kind of heat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm slowly and stir occasionally to maintain creaminess, adding a little milk if the sauce thickens too much.