If you are looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with creamy comfort, this Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe is absolutely the answer. Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and that perfect spicy kick from sriracha come together beautifully with a luscious, cheesy macaroni that has just the right touch of smoky paprika. It’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying, perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends and family with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are surprisingly straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component—from the sweet and spicy elements in the chicken marinade to the rich sharp cheddar in the mac and cheese—plays a vital role in creating this unforgettable dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the glorious marinade flavors.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps develop a glossy glaze when baked.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and umami complexity to the marinade.
- Sriracha sauce: Delivers the perfect spicy punch that elevates the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps blend the marinade and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- Garlic and ginger: Aromatics that infuse warmth and brightness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic choice for mac and cheese, holding sauce perfectly.
- Butter: Creates the rich base for the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- Milk: Smooths the roux into a silky cheese sauce.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that makes mac and cheese irresistibly cheesy.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a lovely color to the cheese sauce.
How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade will infuse your chicken with a beautiful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that make every bite exciting.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish and pour half of the honey-spicy marinade over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated, then seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavor even more. Don’t throw away that reserved marinade—you’ll use it later as the perfect glaze.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside so it’s ready to be enveloped in cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour, creating a roux that cooks for about 1 minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then let the sauce thicken gently. Once thickened, reduce the heat and add shredded sharp cheddar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—stir until the mixture is silky smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and mix thoroughly until every noodle is luxuriously coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it. Keep this warm while you finish the chicken.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Transfer marinated chicken breasts into a baking dish and pop them into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through and juicy. During the last 5 minutes, baste the chicken with the remaining honey glaze to give the surface a shiny, flavorful finish that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before slicing. Serve alongside your creamy mac and cheese for a meal that balances spice, sweetness, and indulgence effortlessly.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh parsley brings a vibrant burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the spice for those who like an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a delightful crunch and lightens the plate. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette are wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in mini cast iron skillets with the sliced spicy honey chicken artistically fanned on top. Alternatively, build a layered casserole by mixing chicken pieces directly into the mac and cheese, then broil for a few minutes to get a golden crust on top. Either approach makes for an impressive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and mac and cheese in airtight containers and store them separately in the refrigerator. This keeps the textures intact and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. Enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste and freshness.
Freezing
Both the chicken and mac and cheese freeze well. Wrap the chicken tightly and store the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes the Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain juiciness. The mac and cheese can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir occasionally for even heating and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and will soak up the marinade beautifully, giving you a richer flavor and tender texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the right temperature.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sriracha sauce?
If sriracha isn’t available, try using another hot sauce like chili garlic sauce or even a touch of cayenne pepper to achieve that spicy kick. Just be mindful of the heat level and adjust to taste.
Is smoked paprika necessary for the mac and cheese?
While not mandatory, smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth and subtle smokiness that complements the spicy honey chicken perfectly. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or a pinch of mild chili powder can work as a substitute.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be different, but you’ll still get that creamy, comforting mac and cheese experience.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
At least 30 minutes is the minimum, but if you can marinate for 2-4 hours, the flavors will penetrate deeper for a more intense, delicious taste. Avoid marinating overnight to prevent the acid from the marinade breaking down the chicken texture too much.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect blend of sweet heat and creamy comfort that you will want to make again and again. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings, and it always delivers on flavor. Trust me, once you try this vibrant combination, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with friends and family.
Print
Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender, marinated chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, baked to perfection and served alongside rich, creamy homemade mac and cheese. A comforting meal with a balance of heat, sweetness, and cheesy goodness that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Honey Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be used to marinate and glaze the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the honey marinade over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve the other half for basting later. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Cook Macaroni: While the chicken marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook following package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve desired consistency. Keep warm.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste Chicken: In the final 5 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the reserved honey glaze to create a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Plate the honey glazed spicy chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor in the mac and cheese.
- Be careful not to overcook the macaroni to keep it firm and avoid mushiness.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control the spice level based on preference.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking ensures juicy, tender meat.
