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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Elbow macaroni: 2 cups is about 8 ounces, perfect for this dish. - Chicken breast: 1 lb yields about 3-4 servings, ideal for four people. - Cheeses: Use 1 cup each of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture. - Cream cheese: 1/2 cup helps bind everything and adds a nice creaminess. - Honey: 1/4 cup gives that sweet touch to balance the heat. - Hot sauce: Adjust the 2 tablespoons based on your heat preference. - Olive oil: 2 tablespoons help cook the chicken evenly. - Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder adds depth to flavor. - Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup is optional for a crunchy topping. - Parsley: Fresh is best for garnish and color. - Macaroni: Barilla or Ronzoni for great texture. - Cheeses: Kraft for cheddar and Galbani for mozzarella. - Cream Cheese: Philadelphia is the gold standard. - Honey: Local or Manuka honey offers the best flavor. - Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha give great heat without overpowering. - Olive Oil: Extra virgin from brands like California Olive Ranch is ideal. - Breadcrumbs: Progresso or homemade for the best crunch. This blend of ingredients makes Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese a delightful dish. Each item contributes to the flavor and texture, ensuring a satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package directions. You want the pasta to be al dente, so check it a minute early. After cooking, drain the macaroni and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be cooked through and golden brown. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. This makes your spicy honey sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat it in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Now, take a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked macaroni, the spicy honey chicken, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Also, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until the cheeses begin to melt and combine well. If you want a crispy top, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Optional: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it is golden and bubbly. Once done, take it out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve right away. To make great mac and cheese, start with the right pasta. Elbow macaroni holds cheese well. Cook it just until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm. Drain it well, but do not rinse. Rinsing washes away the starch. Starch helps the cheese sauce stick. To balance the heat in this dish, use the right amount of hot sauce. Start with two tablespoons. Taste before adding more. Honey brings sweetness and cuts the heat. If it’s too spicy, add more honey. You can also add more cream cheese for a milder taste. Melt cheese slowly for the best results. Mix the cheeses with the warm pasta. As you stir, the heat will help them melt. Adding cream cheese first makes it easier. If you want a gooey texture, use a double boiler. This way, you avoid burning the cheese. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Honey: Opt for pure, high-quality honey for the best flavor. It will enhance the sweetness and complexity of your dish. Adjust the Heat: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more gradually. Cheese Melting Tips: To achieve a creamy consistency, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the hot ingredients. This will help it melt smoothly. Breadcrumbs for Crunch: If you like a crunchy topping, consider mixing your breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the chicken to fit your taste. Try turkey for a leaner option. Shrimp or cooked sausage also works well. For a vegetarian choice, use tofu or chickpeas. These swaps still taste great with the spicy honey sauce. Adding vegetables makes this dish healthier and more colorful. You can toss in cooked broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Zucchini or peas can also add a nice touch. Just make sure they are chopped small. This way, they mix well with the cheese and pasta. Cheese is key to creamy mac and cheese. If you want to try different cheeses, go for gouda or pepper jack. These cheeses add unique flavors, too. You can also use a mix of cheeses for a more complex taste. Just remember to keep the same amount of cheese for creaminess. You can store Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It lasts for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it. You can also divide it into smaller portions for easy meals. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a good option. Place the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for about two months. Remember to label the container with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. When you are ready to eat, reheat it slowly. You can use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot. Add a bit of cream or cheese to keep it creamy. You can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or shells work great. Each shape holds cheese well. Choose what you have on hand for a fun twist. To cool down the spice, reduce the hot sauce. You can also add more cream cheese. Mixing in a bit of regular honey helps too. A little sour cream can also help balance the heat. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix. Store it in the fridge for a day. When you’re ready, bake it until warm and bubbly. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread complements it nicely too. For something light, try a fruit salad. These sides balance the rich flavors well. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese. We discussed essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. I also shared tasty variations and storage tips. As you try this recipe, remember to adjust spice levels to your taste. Enjoy the cooking process and feel proud of your creation. This dish is sure to please anyone at your table.

Spicy Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese

A deliciously creamy and spicy mac and cheese dish with honey-glazed chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
  • 1 for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the honey and hot sauce. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, tossing to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, spicy honey chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheeses begin to melt.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you like a crispy topping, pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
Keyword chicken, honey, mac and cheese, spicy