Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese
Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy macaroni and cheese paired with spicy, sweet hot honey-glazed chicken. This comforting dish features tender pasta enveloped in rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup hot honey sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and hot honey sauce. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Gradually whisk in flour to create a roux, then add milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in cheddar until melted.
- Chop baked chicken and mix into the cheese sauce along with the macaroni, adding more hot honey for flavor.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For added crunch, toast panko breadcrumbs before topping. - Substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different twist. - Add veggies like roasted red peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.