Picture this: a plate of golden, crispy chicken glazed with a sweet and fiery sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that melts in your mouth. Spicy honey chicken with mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo that brings bold flavors and cozy vibes to any meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish hits all the right spots with its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and cheesy goodness. It’s no wonder this meal is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
I first tried this dish at a small diner, and the mix of spicy, sticky chicken with rich mac and cheese was unforgettable. Since then, I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe to make it easy for home cooks.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed guide to whip up this delicious meal, complete with tips, nutritional info, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive into why this dish is so loved and how you can make it in your own kitchen!
Why People Love This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese
This dish is a flavor explosion. The spicy honey glaze on the chicken gives a sweet-heat kick that’s addictive. Paired with the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, it’s a match made in heaven.
It’s also super versatile. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. The mac and cheese can be customized with different cheeses or add-ins.
This meal feels indulgent but is simple to make. With pantry staples and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids love the cheesy pasta, while adults enjoy the bold, spicy chicken. It’s great for family dinners or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish, gather fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. Below is a list for both the chicken and mac and cheese.
For the Spicy Honey Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, for flavor)
Kitchen Tools Required
You don’t need fancy equipment to make this meal. Basic kitchen tools will do the trick. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for coating.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mix, then the egg mix, then back in the flour.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Place fried chicken on a baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the spicy honey glaze over each piece. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to set the glaze.
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese
- Adjust the spice level: Use less cayenne or hot sauce for milder chicken. Add more chili flakes for extra heat.
- Keep chicken crispy: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Cheese sauce smoothness: Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. It melts better and avoids graininess.
- Make it quick: Prep the glaze and cheese sauce while the chicken fries to save time.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or panko on the chicken before frying for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty and pairs well with simple sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Pair with coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast.
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch.
- Offer extra hot sauce or honey on the side for dipping.
- Garnish the mac and cheese with chopped parsley for color.
Nutritional Information
Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings).
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 850 kcal |
| Protein | 42g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 85g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands or portion sizes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is best fresh, but you can prep ahead or store leftovers. Here’s how:
- Make-ahead: Bread the chicken and refrigerate up to 4 hours before frying. Prepare the cheese sauce and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Warm mac and cheese on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Mac and cheese freezes less well due to texture changes.
Why This Recipe Works
The spicy honey chicken brings a bold, sticky glaze that’s both sweet and fiery. The mac and cheese is creamy and comforting, balancing the heat. Together, they create a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have. The steps are straightforward, making it doable for any home cook. Plus, you can tweak it to your taste, from spice levels to cheese choices.
It’s also budget-friendly. Chicken thighs and pantry staples keep costs low. Yet, the dish feels indulgent enough for special occasions.
For more tips on perfect fried chicken techniques, check out this guide.
Summary
Spicy honey chicken with mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that delivers bold flavors and cozy vibes. The crispy chicken, coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and great for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to gatherings with friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a meal that looks and tastes impressive.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Use the tips and suggestions to make it your own, and enjoy the smiles it brings to the table. Keep this recipe handy for when you need a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed meal!
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. Adjust frying time to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
How do I make the mac and cheese creamier?
Use whole milk and freshly shredded cheese. Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with glaze after baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze. Taste and adjust as you mix.
Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Spicy Honey Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes optional, for extra heat
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp mustard powder optional, for flavor
Instructions
How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for coating.
- Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. Dip each chicken piece in the flour mix, then the egg mix, then back in the flour.
- Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Make the Spicy Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
- Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Place fried chicken on a baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the spicy honey glaze over each piece. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to set the glaze.
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta.
- Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
- Step 3: Add Cheese
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
- Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Keep warm until ready to serve.
