Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Comfort food gets a spicy-sweet twist in this Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese. Imagine forkfuls of creamy, cheesy pasta layered with golden, crispy chicken and a luscious drizzle of hot honey that ties everything together with a kick. This isn’t your average mac and cheese — it’s bold, balanced, and loaded with texture.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, craving something indulgent on a weeknight, or just need a new way to fall in love with chicken and cheese all over again, this dish delivers on all fronts. The heat from the honey is gentle but satisfying, and the contrast with the creamy sauce is downright crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

You’ll love it for the balance. The combination of rich cheddar and creamy mozzarella in the sauce gives every bite a velvety finish. The crispy chicken on top adds crunch, and that spicy honey? It’s the game changer. This recipe feels both nostalgic and new — a flavor bomb that surprises you in the best way.

It also comes together with accessible ingredients and can be customized depending on what you have on hand. Swap cheeses, adjust spice, or throw in extras like jalapeños or green onions. It’s versatile, hearty, and absolutely unforgettable.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe works beautifully with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but you can also use leftover fried chicken or even frozen chicken tenders if you’re in a time crunch. The key is getting that satisfying crunch to pair with the gooey mac and cheese. If using raw chicken, lightly bread and fry it for that crispy finish. If using cooked chicken, reheat it in the oven for extra crispiness.

Ingredients for the Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

This dish is a blend of creamy comfort and spicy kick, and each ingredient brings something vital to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Elbow macaroni
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt & pepper
• Paprika
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• Flour and breadcrumbs (for dredging)
• Eggs
• Oil (for frying)
• Hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey and chili flakes)

The combo of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect melt and flavor. Butter, flour, and milk create a smooth base for the cheese sauce. The hot honey is the final flourish, cutting through the richness with just the right zing.

How To Make the Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Bread and Fry the Chicken

Slice chicken into strips. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Assemble the Mac n Cheese

Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated. Spoon into bowls or a baking dish. Top with crispy chicken strips and drizzle with warm hot honey. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storing This Bold, Comforting Classic

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese is generous enough to serve 4 to 6 people as a main dish. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, casual entertaining, or even leftovers that get better by the next day.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven for best texture. If you want to keep the chicken crispy, reheat it separately in a toaster oven or air fryer.

What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese?

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

A crunchy, garlicky side balances the richness with fresh green flavor.

Tangy Coleslaw

Adds cool contrast and texture with every bite.

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

A touch of sweetness that complements the heat perfectly.

Pickled Jalapeños

Great for topping or on the side if you want to amp up the heat.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Fresh and crisp to cleanse the palate.

Buttermilk Biscuits

If you’re going full comfort food, buttery biscuits are the way to go.

Iced Sweet Tea

The best southern-inspired drink pairing for this spicy and cheesy mashup.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A caramelized veggie that plays nicely with the honey in the dish.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If this Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese hit the spot, you might also love these other comfort-packed recipes:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
• Low Carb Chicken Casserole
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the honey? Maybe added bacon or jalapeño? I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, sweet treats, and savory dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite recipe inspiration.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese isn’t just comfort food; it’s comfort food with a spicy soul. It delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and just enough heat to wake up your taste buds. Whether you’re new to hot honey or already a fan, this mac and cheese brings the best of both worlds to your plate. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy — it checks every box.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?