Creamy Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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.