Overview

Hot Honey Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy mac and cheese with tender chicken and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Timing

Making Hot Honey Chicken Mac & Cheese takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Mix Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine until everything is well coated.
2. Prepare Hot Honey: In a small bowl, mix the honey with red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
3. Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and drizzle generously with the hot honey. Enjoy immediately!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Hot Honey Chicken Mac & Cheese (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	600
Protein	35g
Fat	30g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey to suit your taste preferences.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or gouda, for added flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of chicken and a sweet, spicy drizzle. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress!