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Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender, spiced chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for roux)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for frying)
  • 1/3 cup hot honey (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish later.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk until smooth, then cook the mixture until it thickens, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Season Chicken: Pat dry 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and season them with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side until they are cooked through and golden brown.
  7. Glaze Chicken: While the chicken is still warm, brush or spoon 1/3 cup of hot honey evenly over the thighs to create a spicy-sweet glaze.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish. Place the glazed chicken thighs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • For milder heat, reduce the amount of hot honey or use a milder variety.
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs are preferred for juicy, tender meat, but chicken breasts can also be used.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor but is optional.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • You can use any shredded cheese blend, but sharp cheddar and mozzarella give the best melt and flavor balance.

Keywords: Hot honey chicken, mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, spicy honey chicken, comfort food, cheesy pasta, dinner recipe

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/hot-honey-chicken-mac-n-cheese-recipe/