Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fun twist on the classic comfort food we all love. It combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy chicken pieces that have a little kick, all drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. This combo of gooey cheese, crunchy chicken, and that sticky, flavorful drizzle makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
I like to make this dish when I want something simple but special enough to impress friends or family. The hot honey adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness without overpowering the dish, so even folks who aren’t usually into spicy food enjoy it. One of my tips is to use fresh shredded cheese and homemade hot honey if you can – it really takes the flavor up a notch!
When I serve this mac and cheese, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but comes together quickly on a busy weeknight. Whenever I make Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese, the whole kitchen smells amazing, and I know it’s going to be a hit at the dinner table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni or cavatappi work great here because their shape holds onto the cheese sauce. If you don’t have these, penne or shells are fine substitutes.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is my choice for tender bites. You can swap with rotisserie chicken or even crispy fried chicken pieces if you prefer more crunch.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella gives creaminess, and Parmesan boosts flavor. You can use Monterey Jack or Gouda for a milder twist.
Hot Honey: Mixing honey with red chili flakes is simple and flexible. For less heat, use fewer flakes; for more, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Herbs: Fresh thyme freshens the dish. If unavailable, try fresh parsley or basil for a slightly different note.
How Do You Make a Smooth, Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The cheese sauce is the heart of mac and cheese. Getting it smooth means preparing your roux well and adding milk gradually.
- Melt butter on medium heat and whisk in flour to form a pasty roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to remove raw flour taste.
- Slowly add cold or room-temp milk in small parts, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Keep whisking and cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Stir in cheeses gradually until fully melted and smooth.
Taking these steps ensures your sauce will coat the pasta evenly and feel silky. Patience helps—it’s worth it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta, I like a big one so everything cooks evenly.
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking the chicken until crispy and browned.
- Saucepan – used to make the cheese sauce; a deep one helps prevent spills.
- Whisk – makes stirring the cheese sauce smooth and lump-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Grater – for shredding cheeses; fresh shredded cheese melts better.
- Serving dish or plates – to present and serve your delicious mac and cheese.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein options: Use cooked bacon, sausage slices, or shrimp instead of chicken for different flavors.
- Cheese choices: Mix in pepper jack or blue cheese for extra tang and spice.
- Vegetable add-ins: Sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions bring more flavor and texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
- Hot honey: 3 tablespoons honey mixed with ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (or more to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and chicken, 10-15 minutes making the cheese sauce and combining everything, then a few minutes for drizzling the hot honey and garnishing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the macaroni or cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package directions until just tender (al dente). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook the chicken in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and keep warm.
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 the mixture is lightly golden (this is a roux). Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece evenly.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Divide the cheesy pasta into serving bowls. Top each portion with the crispy chicken pieces.
6. Drizzle Hot Honey:
Mix honey with red chili flakes to create your hot honey. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the chicken and pasta for a delicious sweet and spicy kick.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top to add a bright, herby flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, crispy, sweet, and spicy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture when sautéing.
Can I Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead and refrigerate separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stove and warm the chicken in a skillet. Assemble and drizzle hot honey right before serving to keep it fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep the cheese sauce creamy, or reheat in the microwave in short intervals.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey to taste, or omit the cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning for less heat. For more spice, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
