Name: Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk (warm); 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets or tenderloins); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil (for frying); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley (chopped)

Few comfort foods can rival the indulgence of a rich, creamy mac n cheese—but when you crown it with crispy, tender chicken glazed in hot honey, it becomes an unforgettable experience. The fusion of creamy cheese, sweet heat, and crispy bites creates a harmony of flavors and textures that satisfies both cravings and curiosity.

Whether you’re looking to impress at your next family dinner or craving an elevated twist on a classic, this Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese will not disappoint. It’s bold, comforting, and with just the right kick of spice, guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.

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

This dish perfectly balances savory, creamy, crispy, and spicy-sweet flavors. The hot honey adds a sophisticated depth without overwhelming the dish. The mac n cheese is ultra creamy with a blend of cheeses, and the crispy chicken delivers that irresistible crunch.

It’s versatile enough to serve for casual dinners, weekend indulgences, or even as a show-stopping potluck contribution. Plus, it can be prepped ahead and customized to suit your heat preference.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese does require a little prep, but with the right tools, the process is straightforward and enjoyable. Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in achieving the ideal texture and flavor.

Large Pot
Essential for boiling your pasta to al dente perfection. A heavy-bottomed pot helps maintain consistent heat and prevents sticking.
Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Baking Dish
For searing and finishing the chicken, and also ideal for baking the mac n cheese to a bubbly, golden finish.
Saucepan
Needed to prepare the luscious cheese sauce. A heavy saucepan ensures even heating and prevents scorching the dairy.
Whisk
Crucial for creating a smooth, velvety cheese sauce with no lumps.
Tongs
Perfect for flipping the chicken while keeping its breading intact.
Meat Thermometer
Guarantees your chicken reaches the perfect temperature—juicy and safe to eat.
Mixing Bowls
For dredging the chicken and tossing ingredients.

Preparation Tips

Preheat Your Oven
If you plan to bake the dish for a crispy finish, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Use Room Temperature Chicken
This helps the chicken cook evenly and retain its juices.
Season Pasta Water Well
Salting the pasta water ensures every bite of mac n cheese is flavorful.
Grate Cheese Fresh
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese yields a silkier sauce.
Pat Chicken Dry
Before dredging, pat your chicken with paper towels for better adhesion of the breading.
Prep Hot Honey in Advance
Combining honey with chili flakes or hot sauce ahead of time lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Layer Thoughtfully
When assembling, ensure the chicken sits neatly atop the mac to maintain crispiness when serving.

Ingredients for This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

To create this indulgent dish, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s everything required for both the mac n cheese and the hot honey chicken:

For the Mac N Cheese

12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Hot Honey Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets or tenderloins)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze

1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons hot sauce (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Garnish

Fresh parsley (chopped, for a burst of color and freshness)

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm gently, stirring to blend the flavors. Once combined, remove from heat and set aside. This can also be done ahead of time to deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken cutlets or tenderloins in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator) to tenderize and flavor the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the warm milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, thickened sauce.

Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety.

Step 6: Assemble the Mac N Cheese

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat. Pour the mac n cheese into a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 7: Add the Hot Honey Chicken

Brush the fried chicken generously with the prepared hot honey glaze. Arrange the glazed chicken pieces on top of the hot mac n cheese.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of hot honey if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, crispy, sweet-spicy bite!

Notes

Adjust the Heat: You can easily control the spiciness of the hot honey glaze. Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra kick, or tone it down by using a milder hot sauce.
Chicken Cut: Thin cutlets or tenderloins work best for quick frying and perfect crispiness. Pound thicker pieces for even cooking.
Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with cheese varieties—Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina can all add unique flavor.
Make Ahead: Both the mac n cheese and the hot honey glaze can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken: Monitor the oil temperature and use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
Skipping the Cheese Grating: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly. Grate fresh cheese for the best texture.
Boiling Pasta Too Soft: Cook pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Burning the Roux: Stir constantly while making the roux—burnt flour will give an unpleasant flavor to the cheese sauce.
Crowding the Pan: Fry chicken in batches. Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and leads to soggy breading.
Forgetting to Season Each Layer: Season the pasta water, the roux, and the chicken dredge to build flavor throughout the dish.
Too Hot Honey: Don’t overheat the honey glaze—it can caramelize too much and lose its smooth consistency.
Assembling Too Early: Add chicken to the mac just before serving to maintain the contrast of textures.

What to Serve With Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese?

This dish is rich and flavorful, and pairing it with complementary sides will round out your meal beautifully. Here are some delightful options:

8 Recommendations

1. Simple Green Salad

A crisp, lightly dressed salad adds freshness and balance to the creamy richness of the dish.

2. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with garlic and a squeeze of lemon provides a bright, earthy contrast.

3. Southern-Style Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collards with a smoky flavor offer a traditional and satisfying pairing.

4. Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce or honey glaze.

5. Pickled Vegetables

Tangy pickles or pickled red onions add acidity and cut through the heaviness of the mac n cheese.

6. Cornbread

Sweet or savory cornbread complements the hot honey flavors and adds a delightful textural contrast.

7. Grilled Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus with olive oil and sea salt brings a clean, elegant touch.

8. Watermelon Salad

Refreshing watermelon with mint, feta, and a splash of lime offers a sweet and cooling side.

Pairing any of these sides with your Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese will create a meal that’s both comforting and memorable!

Storage Instructions

Proper storage will help you enjoy leftovers of Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese without losing flavor or texture.

Refrigeration:
Store the mac n cheese and chicken separately if possible. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating Mac N Cheese:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Reheating Chicken:
Reheat the fried chicken in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes to regain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the breading soggy.
Freezing:
You can freeze the mac n cheese (without chicken) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat with extra milk. Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month and reheated in the oven.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 6 servings; may vary with portion size and exact ingredients):

Calories: ~750 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~40g
Saturated Fat: ~20g
Cholesterol: ~150mg
Sodium: ~900mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~10g

These estimates provide a general guide and may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes. If you’re tracking specific dietary goals, using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey glaze to your desired heat level.

2. What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or rotini also work beautifully as they hold onto the cheese sauce well.

3. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! For a quicker version, you can toss cooked chicken in the hot honey glaze and serve it atop the mac n cheese.

4. Is it necessary to bake the mac n cheese?

Baking adds a nice golden finish but is optional. You can serve it straight from the stovetop for a creamier texture.

5. Can I use gluten-free pasta and flour?

Yes. Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and the roux.

6. How can I make the dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, or oven-bake the chicken instead of frying to lighten the dish.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta ahead of time, then reheat and assemble with freshly cooked chicken and hot honey glaze.

8. What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

For parties, serve the mac n cheese in a large baking dish and provide the hot honey chicken on the side so guests can top their own portions.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a dish that brings comfort food to the next level. The creamy, cheesy base combined with crispy, spicy-sweet chicken creates an irresistible combination that delights every time. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just to treat yourself, this recipe promises to be a standout. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your rotation!