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Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a baking dish filled with creamy hot honey chicken mac and cheese, topped with crispy fried chicken pieces.
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A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese topped with crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This dish is perfect for game day or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup hot honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. In a small saucepan, combine hot honey and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently until warm.
  10. Pour the hot honey mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet and toss to coat.
  11. Arrange the hot honey chicken pieces over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad.
  • Consider this a great option for meal planning if you have leftovers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/hot-honey-chicken-mac-and-cheese/