Description
Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a deliciously creamy comfort food that elevates the classic macaroni and cheese with a twist. Featuring tender, crispy chicken thighs glazed in sweet and spicy hot honey, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. With its rich combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, every bite delivers a satisfying warmth complemented by just the right amount of heat. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, this mac n cheese is bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it fresh from the oven for an indulgent meal that brings everyone together around the table.
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
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni until al dente (about 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for about a minute. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fry chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush hot honey over warm chicken thighs for a flavorful glaze.
- Combine mac and cheese in a baking dish, place chicken on top, and bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbling.
- Garnish with parsley if desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg