Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

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Golden, crispy chicken kissed with spicy-sweet hot honey, layered over a bed of ultra-creamy mac n cheese—this recipe is the comfort food mash-up you didn’t know you needed. Every bite delivers a contrast of textures and flavors: crispy and gooey, sweet and spicy, bold and buttery. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and made to impress.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or looking to wow friends at a potluck, this Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese brings the heat with a twist. Perfectly seared or air-fried chicken strips sit proudly atop rich cheddar and mozzarella-smothered pasta, then get drizzled with homemade hot honey. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that vanishes fast.

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

This isn’t your average mac and cheese. The spicy sweetness of the hot honey cuts through the creamy richness, creating a perfectly balanced dish. The crispy chicken adds a hearty protein that makes this feel more like a full meal than a side dish. Plus, it’s customizable—you can turn up the heat, swap the cheese, or use your favorite pasta shape.

If you like dishes with layers of flavor and that cozy, comforting element of homemade pasta, this is going to become your new go-to.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. You can pan-fry, oven-bake, or air-fry the chicken—just make sure it’s seasoned well and has that golden crust to hold up against the creamy base. If you’re short on time, store-bought crispy chicken tenders are a great shortcut, too.

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Ingredients for the Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in delivering both flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Elbow macaroni or cavatappi: These classic shapes hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully, giving you that ideal creamy bite every time.
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: The protein hero of the dish. Seasoned and pan-seared or air-fried for the perfect crispy finish.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy richness to the mac base.
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings that stretchy, melty goodness to the sauce.
• Butter: Essential for the roux, and adds a silky texture to the cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to that luscious consistency.
• Milk (whole or 2%): Provides creaminess to the base.
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: Boosts the flavor of the chicken coating.
• Panko breadcrumbs: For that extra-crunchy topping.
• Hot honey: The star twist! Adds a sweet heat that ties the whole dish together.
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—the pasta will cook a bit more in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, or air-fry for a healthier option. Slice into strips once slightly cooled.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking until smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and velvety.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Transfer to a baking dish if you’re baking it, or keep in the pot if serving stovetop.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Broil

Layer the crispy chicken strips over the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and a touch more cheese if desired. Broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey

Finish with a generous drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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How to Serve and Store Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese

This dish is rich and filling, perfect for feeding a hungry group. It generously serves 4 to 6 people, making it a fantastic option for family dinners, potlucks, or game day spreads.

For serving, plate it hot with an extra drizzle of hot honey right before it hits the table. If you’re hosting, garnish with a little extra parsley for that pop of green and freshness.

To store leftovers, let the mac n cheese cool completely. Transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate.

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What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese?

Roasted Broccoli

The crispy, charred edges of roasted broccoli pair perfectly with the creamy mac.

Simple Garden Salad

A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese sauce.

Cornbread Muffins

A slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread works great to soak up the extra sauce.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you want an extra kick, serve with pickled jalapeños on the side.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with garlicky, buttery bread on the side.

Coleslaw

Its crunch and tang contrast beautifully with the cheesy pasta.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade

Balance the spicy-sweet theme of the dish with refreshing, cool drinks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and toss with seasoning before layering it over your mac n cheese. Crisp it under the broiler if you’d like a little texture.

What if I don’t have hot honey?

No worries. Mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a quick DIY version. Adjust the spice to your liking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the mac and cheese and store it in the fridge. Add the chicken and broil just before serving to keep the texture fresh and crispy.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick from the hot honey, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can dial the heat up or down depending on the hot honey or chili flakes you use.

What’s the best cheese blend for extra flavor?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are a great base, but you can add Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for deeper flavor.

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📌 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 use thighs or breasts? Did you spice up your honey a little extra?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

More comforting, delicious recipes are always being shared on my Pinterest: Life With Livia on Pinterest.

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Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese brings everything to the table: creaminess, crunch, heat, and sweetness. It’s comfort food with a bold twist that will quickly earn its spot on your repeat menu. Perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging on a cozy night in, this recipe makes every bite a little celebration. Give it a try and don’t forget the hot honey drizzle—it’s the magic touch.

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