If you’re craving a dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweet heat and comforting creaminess, you’ve got to try this Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, spicy honey glaze pair beautifully with rich, velvety mac and cheese that’s loaded with gooey cheddar. This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about that warm, cozy feeling of home-cooked goodness that turns any regular meal into a celebration of bold tastes and satisfying textures. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this combo feels like a loving hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture that make the recipe shine. From the sweetness of honey to the kick of hot sauce, and the creamy cheese to the golden crust, these essentials are simple yet utterly transformative for the Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the spicy-sweet goodness.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat and create that irresistible glaze.
- Soy sauce: Brings a savory depth and umami punch to the honey marinade.
- Hot sauce: Adjust the amount to your heat preference; it’s the spice spark in the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle aromatic warmth with every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a smoky undertone to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Rich and melty, it’s the heart of the mac and cheese.
- Milk: Creates a smooth, velvety texture for the cheese sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps marry all the mac and cheese ingredients.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy, golden topping if you want to add texture contrast.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, green garnish that brightens the entire plate.
How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures your chicken bakes evenly, locking in all those fantastic flavors from the spicy honey sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Spicy Honey Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This magical mixture not only coats the chicken but also infuses it with a flavorful punch that’s sweet, smoky, and fiery all at once.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and creates a delicious texture contrast.
Step 4: Coat and Bake the Chicken
Pour the spicy honey marinade evenly over the seared chicken. Make sure each breast is generously coated to soak up all that vibrant flavor during baking. Transfer the skillet straight into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
While your chicken is baking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside. Timing here is key so that your mac and cheese stays creamy and fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. This luscious sauce is the secret ingredient that makes your mac and cheese irresistibly cheesy and silky.
Step 7: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Stir the cooked macaroni into your cheese sauce until every noodle is lavishly coated. If you want to take things up a notch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and place the mac and cheese under the broiler for a few minutes until the crust turns golden and crunchy.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken finishes baking, allow it to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Then, serve your beautifully glazed spicy honey chicken alongside a generous helping of creamy mac and cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. This is comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of color but also a subtle freshness that balances the rich and spicy flavors perfectly. Feel free to add a lemon wedge on the side for an optional zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a meal on its own, but if you want to add more variety, serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. The lightness of fresh greens and veggies complements the richness of the chicken and mac and cheese beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, consider plating the chicken sliced on top of a bed of creamy mac and cheese in a shallow bowl. Alternatively, serve everything family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet placed at the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in with joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover spicy honey chicken and mac and cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay moist and flavorful while the mac and cheese holds its creaminess for up to three days, making it perfect for quick reheats.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for longer, the mac and cheese freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. It’s best to freeze the chicken separately to preserve its texture after baking.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at low temperature to avoid drying it out. For the mac and cheese, warming it slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or in the microwave with occasional stirring helps restore that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and melty, feel free to mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or Gruyère for a nutty depth. Just ensure the cheese melts well for the creamiest texture.
How spicy is the chicken in this recipe?
The heat largely depends on the amount of hot sauce you use. The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons, giving it a pleasant kick, but you can adjust to suit your tolerance—more for extra heat or less for mild sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales nicely. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use a larger baking dish or multiple skillets for the chicken. The mac and cheese can be made in a large pot or casserole dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta in place of elbow macaroni, and swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative. Also, check breadcrumbs for gluten content or skip them altogether.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
Sure! This spicy honey glaze would work well on thighs, pork chops, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly one of those soul-satisfying meals that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It combines comforting creaminess and a tantalizing burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish shines with warmth and love. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious harmony of sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness tonight!
Print
Spicy Honey Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese recipe features tender, oven-baked chicken breasts coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy honey glaze, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni. The dish is simple to prepare yet full of comforting flavors, making it an ideal family dinner or weekend meal.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Honey Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for mac and cheese topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side in the skillet for about 3 minutes until nicely browned.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the honey sauce over the seared chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook Macaroni: While the chicken bakes, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine into a creamy mac and cheese.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Serve: Plate the spicy honey chicken alongside a generous portion of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness of the chicken glaze.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
- If preferred, substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation in flavor.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving ensures juicy and tender results.
