If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a sweet and spicy twist, this Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new favorite dinner. Creamy homemade mac and cheese is topped with crispy chicken bites and drizzled with warm hot honey for the perfect combination of cheesy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
This easy chicken mac and cheese recipe is family-friendly enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough to serve for game day, potlucks, or casual entertaining. Every bite is loaded with tender pasta, rich cheese sauce, crispy chicken, and a sticky hot honey glaze that takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level.
Whether you’re a fan of Nashville hot chicken, spicy comfort foods, or just love finding new ways to elevate boxed mac and cheese flavors, this hot honey chicken mac and cheese recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect for game day or gatherings
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Easily customizable
What is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a sweet honey infused with chili peppers that creates the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. The combination works beautifully with fried chicken, pizza, biscuits, and especially creamy mac and cheese.
The sweet heat cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce and adds incredible flavor to every bite.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Hot Honey
- ½ cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in buttermilk and let soak for at least 15 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Transfer to a serving dish.
Top with crispy chicken pieces.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Drizzle generously over the chicken and mac and cheese before serving.
More Chicken Recipes To Try
Creamy Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Creamy homemade mac and cheese topped with crispy chicken bites and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. This easy comfort food dinner is packed with flavor and perfect for family meals, potlucks, and game day gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Place chicken pieces in buttermilk and let soak for at least 15 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a large serving dish or casserole dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Top mac and cheese with crispy chicken pieces.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: American
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy chicken.
- Adjust the hot honey to your preferred spice level.
- Add crispy bacon for even more flavor.
- Finish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Variations
Buffalo Hot Honey Chicken Mac
Add buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
BBQ Hot Honey Chicken Mac
Mix barbecue sauce into the hot honey drizzle.
Baked Hot Honey Mac and Cheese
Transfer to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add cream cheese or Velveeta for an even creamier sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mac and cheese and chicken separately. Store in the refrigerator and assemble before serving.
Is hot honey very spicy?
Not necessarily. The sweetness balances the heat, and you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for busy weeknights.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack create the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese combines everything we love about comfort food into one unforgettable meal. Creamy cheese sauce, crispy chicken, and a sweet-spicy hot honey drizzle make this recipe irresistible for family dinners, game day spreads, and comfort food cravings alike.
One bite and you’ll understand why sweet and spicy flavors are taking over dinner tables everywhere.
