Hot Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe – Sweet, Spicy, Creamy Comfort
When I first made hot honey chicken and mac and cheese, I was amazed at how perfectly the sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors came together. The richness of the cheesy pasta mixed with the bold heat from the chicken made every bite irresistible.
It’s one of those comfort dishes that feels like a warm hug but also brings a little excitement to the table. The best part? It’s so easy to make, and everyone cleans their plates without fail. Trust me, this recipe is about to become one of your favorites!
Ingredients You will Need
- 2 ½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning, divided
- 2 tsp oil
- 2 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 package (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese blend, divided
- ½ cup crushed corn flakes
- 2 tbsp honey
Note: This recipe serves 6 people.
Variations to Try
This recipe is easy to customize based on dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some ideas to get creative with it:
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the rotini with gluten-free pasta and swap all-purpose flour for almond flour.
- Extra protein: Add crumbled bacon or cooked sausage for a meatier version.
- Veggie-loaded: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle extra cayenne or drizzle more hot honey to amplify the heat.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large pot: To boil the pasta.
- Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
- Saucepan: To prepare the cheese sauce.
- Casserole dish (2-quart): For baking the mac and cheese.
- Mixing bowls: To combine the topping ingredients and seasonings.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring during cooking.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese?
This dish is all about layering flavors for a perfect sweet, spicy, and creamy result. Let’s get started!
Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of water according to the pasta package instructions. Omit the salt to leave room for the seasoning in the sauce.
Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside while preparing the other components. You’ll love how the rotini holds onto the creamy sauce.
Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with half the Nashville hot seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook and stir for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. With just a hint of spice, the chicken is already bursting with flavor.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened and silky. Remove the sauce from the stovetop and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. This sauce is rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent!
Combine the Components
Stir the cooked chicken and remaining hot seasoning into the cheese sauce. Then, fold in the drained pasta, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Pour this mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish to prepare for baking.
Assemble and Bake
Combine the crushed corn flakes, the remaining shredded cheese, and the rest of the hot seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the casserole for a crispy, flavorful topping.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil halfway through. Drizzle honey over the top just before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner rotation:
- Flavor-packed: The perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy in one dish.
- Comfort food classic: A creative twist on macaroni and cheese for added excitement.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the spice level or add extra ingredients as needed.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese?
This dish is visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. You can serve it as a main course alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
For extra flair, garnish with freshly sliced green onions or parsley to add brightness to the dish. If you’re entertaining, serve it in the casserole dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers a hearty mix of flavor and indulgence:
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 21 g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is great for make-ahead meals or storing leftovers for another day.
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’s coming from the fridge.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Unfortunately, this dish isn’t freezer-friendly due to the creamy sauce and pasta texture.
Tips for Making the Recipe
After making this recipe a few times, here are my tips for getting the best results every time:
- Add the cheese in small batches to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce instead of pre-shredded varieties.
- If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Be sure to cook the roux long enough to remove any floury taste.
- For extra crunch, double the cornflake topping.
Does Hot Honey Go With Cheese?
Absolutely! The sweetness of honey balances the saltiness of cheese, while the spicy kick enhances its creamy richness. It’s a combination that feels indulgent yet sophisticated, making both elements pop even more. Whether drizzled over a cheese platter or blended into a dish like mac and cheese, hot honey and cheese make an irresistible duo.
This hot honey chicken and mac and cheese recipe is a celebration of bold, comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Take my advice and give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to dish!
Hot Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water according to the pasta package instructions. Omit the salt to leave room for the seasoning in the sauce. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside while preparing the other components. You’ll love how the rotini holds onto the creamy sauce.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with half the Nashville hot seasoning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook and stir for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. With just a hint of spice, the chicken is already bursting with flavor.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened and silky. Remove the sauce from the stovetop and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. This sauce is rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent!
- Stir the cooked chicken and remaining hot seasoning into the cheese sauce. Then, fold in the drained pasta, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Pour this mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish to prepare for baking.
- Combine the crushed corn flakes, the remaining shredded cheese, and the rest of the hot seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the casserole for a crispy, flavorful topping.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil halfway through. Drizzle honey over the top just before serving for a delicious finishing touch.