Description
Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that elevates classic macaroni and cheese with a sweet and spicy twist. This dish features creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni topped with crispy chicken thighs glazed in hot honey, creating a flavor explosion that delights every palate. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines rich textures and tastes that bring everyone together around the table. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
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).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour until golden, then gradually add milk and cook until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
- Brush hot honey over warm chicken.
- In a baking dish, combine mac and cheese and top with glazed chicken. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bubbling.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg