Description

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish with a twist. Think crispy chicken with spicy-sweet hot honey layered on top of ultra-creamy mac n cheese—pure flavor harmony. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or indulgent weekend meals. A quick dinner idea that doubles as the best crowd-pleaser, this easy recipe mixes bold flavor, creamy texture, and crispy toppings for a next-level food idea. Great for anyone looking for dinner ideas that are hearty, easy, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

225g elbow macaroni or cavatappi

2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

200g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

150g mozzarella cheese, shredded

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons hot honey

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet or air fryer until golden brown and fully cooked. Slice into strips.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.

4. Add cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.

5. Stir pasta into cheese sauce until well-coated.

6. Transfer to a baking dish (optional), top with sliced chicken and panko breadcrumbs.

7. Broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Drizzle hot honey on top and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt and richest flavor.

If making ahead, store the mac separately and broil with chicken just before serving.

Control the spice by adjusting the amount of hot honey or using mild honey with chili flakes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Oven broil
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 250g)
Calories: 680
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: hot honey chicken, mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food