Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy and spicy hot honey chicken mac n cheese! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with every bite bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of gooey cheddar cheese, tender chicken, and that delightful drizzle of hot honey creates an experience that’s simply unforgettable. I remember the first time I made this dish; I had some friends over for a cozy night in, and the moment I served it, the entire room lit up with delicious aromas. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving this comfort food goodness on repeat! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your friends at a gathering. Seriously, who can resist a creamy mac and cheese with a spicy twist? Let’s dive into the details so you can whip this up yourself!
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating this mouthwatering dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni – this is your classic pasta choice for that perfect mac and cheese texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to mix it up!
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced – leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here; just make sure it’s bite-sized.
- 2 cups milk – whole milk gives it that creamy richness, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- 1/4 cup butter – unsalted is best, as we’ll be adding our own salt later.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – this is going to help thicken our cheese sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the combo of garlic and onion?
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – adjust to your spice preference; it’s where the “hot” in hot honey comes from!
- 1/4 cup hot honey – this is the star of the show, giving that sweet and spicy finish!
- Salt and pepper to taste – season it up! Don’t forget to taste your cheese sauce before combining.
Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll see how easy it is to bring this delightful dish to life!
How to Prepare Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, spicy mac and cheese that’ll knock your socks off.
Cooking the Macaroni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 7-9 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Trust me, you don’t want to overcook it; nobody likes mushy pasta! Drain the macaroni and set it aside while we whip up that luscious cheese sauce.
Making the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly. Add the flour, whisking it together to form a smooth paste—this is called a roux! Keep whisking for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly; this is key to avoiding lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to amp up the flavor. Now, it’s time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melty and dreamy!
Combining Ingredients
Gently fold the cooked macaroni and diced chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is coated evenly. I love using a spatula for this so I can really mix it all together without breaking the pasta. Make sure every bite is packed with that cheesy goodness!
Serving the Dish
Transfer your glorious mac and cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. Here comes the fun part—drizzle that hot honey over the top! It adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick. For a little extra flair, consider topping with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or some extra cheese before serving. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Tips for Success
To really nail your hot honey chicken mac n cheese, here are a few tips I swear by! First, if you want to kick up the spice level, just add a pinch more cayenne or even toss in some red pepper flakes when mixing the cheese sauce. Don’t be shy—taste as you go! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even mix in some diced jalapeños for an extra punch.
Now, if you like a little crunch on top, consider baking it! Just transfer your mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle some extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top, and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. It adds a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information for Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese
Let’s talk numbers! This hot honey chicken mac n cheese is not just a delicious treat, but also packs a decent nutritional punch. Each serving (about 1 cup) typically contains around 450 calories, 20g of fat, and 25g of protein, making it a hearty meal. You’ll also get around 50g of carbohydrates and 5g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust as needed for your own dietary preferences!
FAQ About Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese
I get a lot of questions about this hot honey chicken mac n cheese, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones together!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While I adore the sharpness of cheddar, you can mix it up with cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for extra heat, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well so you get that creamy texture we all love!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re a spice lover, you can definitely amp up the heat! Try adding more cayenne pepper or mix in some diced jalapeños or even some chopped fresh chili peppers. For a fun twist, a splash of hot sauce can also do wonders. Just taste as you go to make sure it’s just right for your palate!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You bet! This mac and cheese is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. If you want to bake it, just pop it in the oven until heated through and bubbly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hot honey chicken mac n cheese is a game-changer in the comfort food department! Here’s why I can’t get enough of it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and under 35 minutes, you’ve got a hearty meal ready to go!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and that sweet heat from the hot honey makes each bite unforgettable.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap out cheeses based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
- Leftover Friendly: It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it multiple times!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this hot honey chicken mac n cheese? Yes, please! To store, simply transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or a cozy lunch later in the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. You can warm it up either on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re using the stovetop, just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy and heat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you choose the microwave, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to avoid splatters, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. And if you want that crispy top again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite again!
Imprimer
Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese: 5 Bold Flavor Combos
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A creamy and spicy mac and cheese dish topped with hot honey and chicken.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
- Add cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Drizzle hot honey over the top before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- You can use any cheese you prefer.
- This dish can be baked for a crispy top.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: hot honey chicken mac n cheese, spicy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese
