Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese is a bold twist on classic comfort food, blending creamy cheddar cheese sauce, crispy spiced chicken, and sweet heat from hot honey. A perfect dinner recipe with a spicy-sweet kick and irresistible cheesy richness.
Ingredients
12 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add shredded chicken, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until edges are golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with hot honey. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
4. Add cream cheese and whisk until melted. Gradually stir in shredded sharp and mild cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
6. Transfer mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with hot honey chicken and sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese.
7. Broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
8. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Crisping the chicken adds texture and helps it hold up in the sauce.
Use room temperature dairy to avoid curdling when making the cheese sauce.
Drizzle extra hot honey before serving for an added punch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg