Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food gets a fiery-sweet upgrade — this creamy mac and cheese is loaded with crispy hot honey chicken, gooey cheese sauce, and a drizzle of golden honey glaze for the perfect bite every time.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 45 min

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha)
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For Topping (Optional but Amazing):

• Crushed hot Cheetos or panko breadcrumbs (toasted)
• Drizzle of hot honey glaze
• Fresh chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have time).
This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful while frying!

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes.
Warm over low heat until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth.
Set aside — you’ll drizzle it over the chicken later.

Pro tip: Adjust the spice level to your taste! Add more honey for sweetness or more hot sauce for a bold kick.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F / 175°C).
2. In one bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
4. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy — about 4–6 minutes per batch.
5. Place on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Drizzle with the warm hot honey glaze and toss lightly to coat.

Each bite gets that perfect combo of crunchy, sweet, and spicy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside (reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water just in case).

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to create a roux — cook for about 1–2 minutes until bubbly (this removes the raw flour taste).
3. Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan) one at a time, stirring until melted and velvety.

If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every noodle is coated in that luscious, gooey cheese blend.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — a pinch of salt or paprika can make a big difference.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon creamy mac and cheese into bowls or a baking dish.
2. Top generously with the hot honey chicken pieces.
3. Drizzle extra hot honey glaze on top for that glossy, mouthwatering finish.
4. Sprinkle crushed hot Cheetos or toasted panko for crunch and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your masterpiece — the blend of spicy, sweet, and cheesy goodness is pure comfort heaven.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

1. Make it Extra Crispy:
   Double-dip the chicken — coat in flour, dip back in buttermilk, then coat again in flour before frying.
2. Lighter Option:
   Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Cheese Swaps:
   Try adding Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for a flavor twist.
4. Storage Tip:
   Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
5. Turn It into a Bake:
   Transfer everything into a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 bowl	720	35g	55g	35g	2g	12g

Disclaimer:

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.