Name: Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for roux); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for frying); 1/3 cup hot honey (or to taste); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

I’ve always been a fan of comfort food that knows how to show off a little. And this Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is the ultimate showstopper. It blends two of my favorite things: crispy, spicy-sweet chicken and ultra-creamy mac n cheese. The contrast between the crackling crust of the chicken and the silky richness of the macaroni makes this dish unforgettable.

What’s even better is how it manages to balance bold and cozy. The hot honey gives you just enough heat to perk up your taste buds, while the mac n cheese wraps around your soul like a warm blanket. Whether you’re looking to impress a guest or spoil yourself, this is a recipe worth bookmarking.

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

This isn’t just another baked mac and cheese or a spicy chicken dish—it’s both, done incredibly well. The golden-brown, juicy chicken gets a lacquer of sticky, spicy honey that drips down into the cheese sauce below. The mac is buttery, deeply cheesy, and baked just enough to hold everything together. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s been on repeat in my kitchen.

What Cut of Chicken Should I Use?

For Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese, I’ve found that boneless, skinless chicken thighs deliver the best texture and flavor. They stay juicy even after pan-frying and baking, and their slightly higher fat content works beautifully with the spicy honey glaze. That said, chicken breasts will also work if you prefer leaner cuts—just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.

You could also go bold with bone-in thighs or even drumsticks for a more rustic presentation, but for ease and layering over mac, boneless pieces are king.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re short on an ingredient or catering to specific diets, this dish is flexible:

Macaroni: Use penne, rotini, or shells—anything that cradles sauce well.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the base, but you can toss in Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda for added depth.
Hot Honey: No hot honey? Mix regular honey with your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Butter + Milk: Feel free to sub in plant-based versions if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Chicken: Swap with crispy tofu or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian spin.

These substitutions keep the spirit of the recipe alive while letting you personalize it for your pantry or dietary needs.

Ingredients for This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Elbow Macaroni
The classic base—its curved shape and hollow center make it ideal for catching that velvety cheese sauce.
Cheddar Cheese (Sharp)
Provides bold, tangy depth and gooey melt—the heart of the cheese sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese
Adds that luscious, stretchy pull and a creamy contrast to the sharp cheddar.
Whole Milk
Helps create a smooth, rich béchamel-style base for the cheese sauce.
Butter
Used both in the roux and for pan-frying, butter enhances flavor and adds richness.
All-Purpose Flour
Essential for thickening the cheese sauce; it turns the butter into a roux that holds everything together.
Salt and Black Pepper
Foundational seasoning to bring balance and highlight the flavors in both the mac and the chicken.
Paprika and Garlic Powder
Used in the chicken breading to add warmth and savoriness.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
The protein centerpiece—juicy, tender, and perfect for frying to a crispy finish.
Hot Honey
The signature glaze—sweet heat that elevates the crispy chicken and ties it all together.
Fresh Parsley (Optional)
Adds a pop of color and a fresh note to contrast the rich dish.

Each ingredient here has a clear purpose: texture, creaminess, heat, or comfort. When they come together, the result is nothing short of crave-worthy.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, usually 1–2 minutes shy of the package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once melted and creamy, fold in the drained macaroni until fully coated.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat a drizzle of oil or a mix of oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the hot pan and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Set aside on a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey

While the chicken is still hot, brush or spoon over the hot honey generously. Let it sink into the crispy crust—this is where the magic happens.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese into an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Place the glazed chicken thighs on top. Optional: sprinkle extra cheese over the top.

Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, just until bubbling and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, top with freshly chopped parsley, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The cheese will settle, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

How Long to Cook the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

You’ll need around 35–40 minutes total from stovetop to oven:

Macaroni: 6–8 minutes to cook.
Cheese Sauce: 10 minutes to prepare and combine.
Chicken: 8–10 minutes for pan-frying, depending on thickness.
Baking Time: 10–12 minutes to melt, blend, and slightly crisp everything in the oven.

It’s quick enough for a special weeknight meal but delivers the satisfaction of a weekend indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh is always better for creaminess.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked macaroni prevents it from turning mushy during baking.
Balance the heat: Adjust the spice level in your hot honey depending on your tolerance. Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for kick, or mellow it with extra honey.
Rest after baking: Give the dish 5 minutes to settle before digging in—this helps everything firm up and makes serving cleaner.
Crisp the chicken last: Pan-fry the chicken while the mac is coming together so it stays juicy and crisp when baked.

These tips help you pull off that perfect harmony between creamy, crispy, and spicy-sweet.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using overcooked pasta: If you fully cook the macaroni before baking, it’ll turn too soft and soggy in the final dish. Stop at al dente.
Skipping the roux step: Flour and butter must be cooked together before adding milk. If you rush this, your sauce might taste floury or end up lumpy.
Undercooking the chicken: Thighs are forgiving, but always check for doneness—165°F (74°C) internal temperature is your goal.
Not seasoning enough: The cheese sauce and chicken both need seasoning at different stages. Taste as you go.
Overheating the hot honey: Warming it too long can burn the sugars. Just heat it until thin and pourable.

Avoiding these will make your Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese not just good—but unforgettable.

What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese?

Green Bean Almondine

A crisp, buttery side with toasted almonds that cuts through the richness.

Apple Cabbage Slaw

Something crunchy and tangy like this balances the creamy, spicy main dish.

Bread and Butter Pickles

Sweet pickles bring a refreshing, briny contrast that complements the honey glaze.

Warm Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky biscuits on the side? Yes, please. They’re perfect for sopping up any extra cheese or honey.

Roasted Garlic Broccolini

The bitterness of broccolini, roasted until crispy, adds a great green foil to the dish.

Cornbread with Chili Butter

Sweet and spicy butter on tender cornbread is a match made in comfort food heaven.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula

A peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens up your plate with minimal effort.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? You’re in luck—Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese keeps well and reheats beautifully with a few smart steps:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezer: You can freeze the mac and cheese (without chicken) for up to 2 months. The hot honey chicken, due to its glaze and crisp texture, is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated—not frozen.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of milk or cream to the mac before reheating if it looks dry.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings total):

Calories: ~650
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 780mg
Calcium: 25% DV

Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary depending on your cheese choices, hot honey quantity, and exact ingredients. Still, it’s a solid protein-packed comfort dish with rich flavor and texture variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hot honey made of?

Hot honey is typically a blend of honey and chili peppers or hot sauce. You can make your own by warming honey with a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce until it’s just pourable.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through. For even better texture, use a wire rack over a baking sheet to promote airflow.

What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both flavor and melt. Gouda, Gruyère, or even a touch of cream cheese can add richness and complexity.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it, then reheat and top with freshly cooked hot honey chicken just before serving to maintain crispness.

Is it too spicy for kids?

You can easily control the heat by using a milder hot honey or substituting it with plain honey. Keep chili or hot sauce on the side for those who want extra kick.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?

Make sure to whisk the roux thoroughly and add milk slowly, then melt cheese off-heat to avoid curdling. Stir gently until it’s silky smooth.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Sure! Shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it with warmed hot honey, then layer it over the mac. It won’t be crispy, but it’ll still taste great.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil. Add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce, and re-crisp the chicken in a skillet if desired.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on flavor experience. From the crispy, spicy-sweet chicken to the rich, creamy macaroni underneath, every bite delivers contrast and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or entertaining friends who love a little heat, this dish brings warmth, texture, and plenty of cheesy satisfaction to the table.

Now that you’ve got the full breakdown, let’s get cooking—or scroll down for the printable version to keep close in the kitchen.