Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fun twist on two classic favorites—creamy, cheesy mac and cheese combined with crispy chicken pieces that have a sweet and spicy glaze. The combination of the smooth pasta, crunchy chicken, and that little kick from the hot honey sauce makes this dish both comforting and exciting to eat.
I love making this recipe when I want something cozy but with a bit of flair. The hot honey drizzle adds just the right amount of sweetness balanced with heat, and it’s always a hit when I serve it to friends or family. I usually add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly crust, which makes the dish feel extra special.
This meal is great for lazy weekend dinners or when you’re craving that perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and cheesy all in one bowl. I often pair it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies to lighten things up. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look forward to mealtime and leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow macaroni: This pasta shape holds the cheese sauce well. You can swap it with cavatappi, shells, or penne if preferred.
Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a rich flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Try Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different taste.
Milk and roux (butter + flour): Whole milk keeps the sauce creamy. Use 2% or a milk alternative like oat milk for a lighter option.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless works best here. You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time, then toss it in hot honey for flavor.
Hot honey: It balances sweetness and heat. If you can’t find hot honey, mix honey with a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
Making a smooth cheese sauce starts with the roux—melting butter and whisking in flour. This thickens the sauce and prevents lumps.
- Cook butter and flour for 1-2 mins over medium heat to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to blend smoothly.
- Keep stirring until sauce thickens, around 5 minutes.
- Lower heat before adding cheese—high heat can make cheese clump or get greasy.
If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Patience and steady whisking will make your mac and cheese silky every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – For boiling the pasta until al dente, making it easy to toss in the cheese sauce later.
- Medium saucepan – To prepare the cheese sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Whisk – Essential for mixing the roux and cheese, keeping everything smooth and clump-free.
- Sauté pan or skillet – To cook the chicken quickly and evenly, and toss it in hot honey.
- Measuring spoons and cups – To measure ingredients accurately, especially hot honey and spices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for crispy bacon or sautéed shrimp for different protein options that add flavor and texture.
- Mix in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies and color.
- Try using different cheeses like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Gruyère for a richer taste.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or cumin in the spice rub for a smoky or earthy twist.
Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade*)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Homemade hot honey: gently warm ⅓ cup honey with 1-2 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce until infused.
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Pasta cooks in about 8-10 minutes, cheese sauce takes roughly 10 minutes, and cooking the chicken plus coating it in hot honey will take about 8-10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux without lumps.
Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the Chicken and Glaze with Hot Honey:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally.
Drizzle hot honey over the cooked chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well combined. Plate the mac and cheese, then top with the hot honey chicken pieces.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry so it browns nicely in the skillet.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to your heat preference. For more spice, add extra cayenne or chili flakes to the hot honey. To tone it down, reduce the cayenne and use a milder hot honey or honey alone.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the mac and cheese and chicken separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.