Hot Honey Chicken Mac is a delightful twist on comfort food that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with tender chicken thighs and a drizzle of hot honey. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, offering a spicy and sweet flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your mac and cheese game, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Mac

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac is not just another pasta dish. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:

It combines the creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory flavor of chicken.
The addition of hot honey gives it a unique sweet and spicy kick that’s irresistible.
This dish can be made in just 40 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
It’s a crowd-pleaser; everyone will love the comforting elements of this dish.
Contains protein from chicken, making it a filling meal.
This recipe is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Mac

Gather these items:

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup hot honey
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Mac Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Step 4: Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined. Drizzle in the hot honey and mix until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Transfer the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese to a serving dish. Drizzle extra hot honey on top and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Mac

Keep these in mind:

For extra creaminess, consider using a blend of cream cheese and cheddar.
Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice tolerance.
Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so feel free to add basil or thyme.

Best Ways to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Mac

Here are some great ideas for serving this dish:

Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
Top with crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.

How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey Chicken Mac

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Chicken Mac

What is Hot Honey Chicken Mac?

Hot Honey Chicken Mac is a creamy pasta dish featuring chicken and macaroni, enhanced with spicy hot honey for a unique flavor. It’s comfort food at its best!

Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Mac ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Hot Honey Chicken Mac?

To avoid mistakes, ensure not to overcook the pasta and adjust the cheese sauce consistency with milk as needed to keep it creamy.

Variations of Hot Honey Chicken Mac You Can Try

Here are some fun twists to this recipe:

For a lighter version, substitute chicken with vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Try adding jalapeños for extra spice, making it a Spicy Honey Chicken Macaroni.
Incorporate a different cheese blend like pepper jack for a smoky flavor.
Serve it as a Honey Chicken Macaroni Bake by topping with breadcrumbs and baking until golden.

In conclusion, Hot Honey Chicken Mac is the ultimate comfort food, seamlessly blending creamy textures, savory chicken, and a touch of sweetness. Enjoy this delightful meal any night of the week!

creamy potato soup
honey garlic shrimp
creamy parmesan Italian sausage
slow cooker Korean beef
creamy mushroom pastina

Hot Honey Chicken Mac: 7 Comforting Twists on a Classic

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and spicy mac n cheese features tender chicken thighs and a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and savory twist. Perfect for a comforting meal.

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined. Drizzle in the hot honey and mix until evenly distributed.
Transfer the Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese to a serving dish. Drizzle extra hot honey on top and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.