If you’re craving a dinner that brings together the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and a gentle kick of heat, you’re in for a treat! Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese isn’t your average weeknight meal—it’s a celebration of flavors that feels both indulgent and approachable. Tender chicken breasts are glazed in a luscious honey-soy sauce spiked with just enough hot sauce to awaken your taste buds, then roasted to sticky perfection. On the side, a creamy bed of macaroni and cheese offers that classic comfort-food embrace, melting cheddar cheese into every nook and cranny of tender elbow pasta. The result is a harmonious balance between zingy sweetness and velvety richness, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in with friends.
Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore, and this recipe proves it. Designed with busy home cooks in mind, it takes just 15 minutes to prep, 35 minutes to bake and cook, and a brief five-minute rest time before serving. The moderate spice level can be adjusted to your preference—whether you like the slightest tingle or a more assertive warmth. Plus, it’s labeled as beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll breeze through each step. With roughly 600 calories per serving, it hits the sweet spot between comforting indulgence and balanced satisfaction. Get ready to dive into a meal that feels like a warm hug, sprinkled with a fun dash of excitement.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SPICY HONEY CHICKEN WITH MAC AND CHEESE
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s take a moment to appreciate the superstar ingredients that make this dish shine. From pantry staples to fresh garnishes, each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect protein, the creamiest cheese, or that final crunchy topping, these ingredients will guide you to dinner bliss.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the spicy honey glaze, staying juicy as it roasts.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness and sticky texture, balancing out the heat and creating a glossy finish.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami, enhancing the savory backbone of the glaze and giving it a subtle saltiness.
- Hot sauce: Injects that signature kick—adjust to taste so you can dial up or down the heat factor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic aroma without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky warmth and vibrant color, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that ensure each bite of chicken and mac gets a well-rounded boost.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, it promotes a beautiful golden crust while locking in moisture.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that cradles creamy cheese sauce in every curve and crevice.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted into the mac, this cheese delivers rich, tangy creaminess that defines homemade mac ’n’ cheese.
- Milk: Thins out the cheese sauce for the perfect silky consistency without overpowering the cheese flavor.
- Butter: Blended with milk and cheese, it adds smoothness and helps create that luscious sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: An optional crunchy topping that bakes to golden perfection, contrasting the creamy mac and tender chicken.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A bright, herbal garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.
HOW TO MAKE SPICY HONEY CHICKEN WITH MAC AND CHEESE
Ready to get cooking? This straightforward method combines stovetop searing, oven roasting, and stovetop cheese-sauce magic to bring everything together in under an hour. Follow these detailed steps to master the art of Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring the oven is fully heated before the chicken goes in helps create that perfect glaze and keeps cooking times accurate.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
3. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
4. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully lay the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 3 minutes per side, forming a golden-brown crust.
5. Pour the prepared honey mixture over the seared chicken, using a spoon to coat each breast thoroughly in the sticky sauce.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. While the chicken roasts, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, ready for the cheese sauce.
8. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once bubbling, pour in the milk and heat until warm, then gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Continue stirring until the cheese fully melts into a creamy sauce, smooth and glossy. Mix in the cooked macaroni so each piece is evenly coated.
10. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, then place under the broiler for a few minutes until golden and crispy—keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
11. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for the juiciest bite.
12. Serve the Spicy Honey Chicken alongside a generous scoop of cheesy macaroni, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of flavor and color.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SPICY HONEY CHICKEN WITH MAC AND CHEESE
Bringing this dish to the table is all about enhancing its warmth and charm. Whether you’re plating for a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering, these suggestions will help you present it in style and make each bite even more memorable.
- Serve on contrasting plates with a drizzle of extra honey glaze around the edges to highlight that sweet-spicy theme and make your presentation pop.
- Pair with a light, crunchy side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs just before serving for an extra layer of texture and a rustic, homey feel.
- Complement the meal with a chilled sparkling beverage, like lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of citrus, to refresh the palate between rich, cheesy bites.
HOW TO STORE SPICY HONEY CHICKEN WITH MAC AND CHEESE
Keeping leftovers fresh without sacrificing flavor is key to enjoying this meal throughout the week. Proper storage ensures the chicken stays juicy, the mac retains its creaminess, and the glaze doesn’t lose its sweet-spicy punch.
- Store the chicken and mac and cheese in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and keeps textures distinct.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to reduce bacterial growth. Properly chilled, your leftovers will stay flavorful for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and date them, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw refrigerated containers in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Reheat the mac gently on low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
CONCLUSION
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese recipe offers an unbeatable combination of comfort and excitement, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something a little extra. From the sticky, sweet-spicy glaze coating juicy chicken breasts to the luxuriously creamy macaroni and cheese, every element works in harmony. The use of pantry-friendly staples, minimal prep time, and beginner-friendly cooking techniques means you can whip up a satisfying meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with the spice level, try the glaze on pork or tofu, or add breadcrumbs for that crispy finish. And don’t forget—you can print this article or save it for later, so it’s always at your fingertips when dinner inspiration strikes. You’ll also find an FAQ section below to address common questions and tips.
I’d love to hear how your kitchen adventure goes! If you give this dish a try, please leave a comment with your personal twists or questions. Did you turn up the heat with extra hot sauce or swap in a different pasta shape? Whatever your experience, your feedback helps us all become better home cooks. Drop any thoughts, requests, or cooking challenges below—I’m here to help and can’t wait to hear about your Spicy Honey Chicken triumphs!
Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Description
This dish brings the perfect harmony of sweet honey and spicy heat from the chicken, complemented by the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese—a comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, searing each side for about 3 minutes until browned.
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Pour the honey mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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While the chicken is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
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Stir until the cheese is completely melted and forms a creamy sauce. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
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Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, then place under the broiler for a few minutes until golden and crispy.
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Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Serve the Spicy Honey Chicken with a generous portion of mac and cheese on the side, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Note
- Adjust the level of hot sauce based on your preference for spice.
- The breadcrumbs topping adds a delightful crunch to the mac and cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad on the side.
- The honey glaze can be used on other proteins like pork or tofu for a delicious twist.
