Description

Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a delightful fusion of comfort and flavor that elevates the classic mac and cheese to new heights. This dish features creamy elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, perfectly complemented by crispy chicken thighs glazed with sweet and spicy hot honey. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a mouthwatering balance of cheesy goodness and delightful heat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon oil or butter (for frying)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup hot honey (or to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk until thickened; stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine macaroni with the cheese sauce.
Season chicken thighs with garlic powder and paprika, then fry in oil until golden brown.
Brush hot honey over the cooked chicken.
Layer mac and cheese in a baking dish, top with chicken, and bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking/Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: For extra crunch, consider adding panko breadcrumbs on top before baking. Enjoy leftovers by reheating in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.