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Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy cheddar cheese sauce, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni are baked together to bubbly perfection and finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey for an irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Protein

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

Finish

  • 1/4 cup hot honey

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the water and set the pasta aside for later use.
  2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and activate the spices without browning.
  3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Incorporate cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated and combined.
  6. Prepare for baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the top with the hot honey, allowing for a sweet and spicy finish.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and hot throughout.

Notes

  • Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
  • Adjust the amount of hot honey according to your spice and sweetness preference.
  • For a more indulgent dish, you can add a breadcrumb topping before baking.
  • Ensure the milk is added gradually to avoid lumps in your cheese sauce.
  • The paprika adds subtle smokiness; feel free to substitute with smoked paprika for more intense flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Mac n Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese, spicy honey sauce, chicken recipes

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/hot-honey-chicken-mac-n-cheese-recipe/