Sweet Honey Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: A Fun Blend

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering sweet and spicy honey chicken macaroni and cheese fusion.

Regional culinary traditions blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Creamy mac and cheese provides a luxurious base for tender, glazed chicken pieces.

Unexpected flavor combinations create a symphony of taste that delights the palate.

The honey’s subtle sweetness perfectly balances the chicken’s spicy kick.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of textures and bold flavors.

You’ll find this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that everyone will crave.

Why Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese Is So Craveable

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a gourmet meal by adding sweet and spicy honey chicken, turning an ordinary dish into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni with the crispy, tangy-sweet chicken, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy every craving.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of familiar and exciting flavors.

Ingredients for Sweet-Spicy Chicken and Pasta

• Chicken: Tender pieces ready for a flavor adventure.

• Cornstarch: Light and crispy coating helper.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for achieving golden frying.

• Honey: Sweet liquid gold.
• Soy Sauce, Sriracha, Vinegar: Flavor-packed combination.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic flavor boosters.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky spice enhancer.

• Macaroni: Classic comfort pasta.
• Butter, Flour: Roux-building base.
• Milk: Creamy sauce foundation.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese blend.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy flavor accent.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy topping.

How to Make This Mac With Honey Chicken Twist

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Grab your chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil and fry until the exterior turns golden and crispy, cooking about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create the Spicy Honey Glaze

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Sriracha
• Vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Smoked paprika

Stir the ingredients together and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Glaze

Return the fried chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece gets completely coated in the glossy sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and glistening.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring to a rolling boil and add macaroni.

Cook according to package instructions until the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 5: Craft the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and stir continuously for about a minute until the mixture turns golden and starts to bubble.

Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, which takes approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Dijon mustard (optional)

Mix until the cheeses are completely melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is richly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the mac and cheese onto serving plates or into bowls.

Top generously with the sweet and spicy honey chicken.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips to Keep It Creamy With Balanced Heat

• Use a light, even layer of cornstarch to ensure crispy chicken without clumping, shaking off excess for perfect texture.
• Modify sriracha amount to personalize heat intensity, starting with less and adding gradually to suit your taste preferences.
• Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy macaroni and cheese base.
• Keep fried chicken pieces moist by not overcooking and quickly tossing in the glossy honey sauce.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions to add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor complexity.

Storing and Reheating Honey Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Add a splash of milk when reheating in the microwave or stovetop to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
• Freeze components separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Sides for This Chicken Mac Dish

• Sip Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the dish's richness, balancing sweet and spicy chicken with creamy mac and cheese.
• Create Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh orange and lime juices with sparkling water to complement the honey's sweetness and chicken's spice.
• Match Craft Beer Pairing: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to enhance the smoky paprika and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Serve Asian-Inspired Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar and cilantro to add crunch and brightness alongside the main dish.

Creative Combos for Honey Chicken Mac

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap cornstarch with rice flour for coating chicken and use gluten-free macaroni. Replace wheat flour in the roux with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for chicken coating and reduce honey quantity.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh pieces. Coat alternative protein in same sweet and spicy sauce, maintaining original flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk in mac and cheese. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese sauce for creamy texture.

FAQs

• Is cornstarch important for coating the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior and helps the sauce stick to the chicken, ensuring a perfect golden-brown texture and locking in moisture during frying.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the honey sauce?

Absolutely! Reduce or increase sriracha to match your personal heat preference. Start with less and gradually add more to control the spiciness of the dish.

• What makes the cheese sauce creamy?

The roux (butter and flour mixture) helps thicken the sauce, while gradually whisking warm milk creates a smooth base. Using multiple cheese types like cheddar and mozzarella enhances the richness and creaminess of the sauce.

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Remove the saucepan from heat before adding cheese and stir gently until melted. This prevents overheating and ensures a smooth, silky cheese sauce without separation.

Sweet & Spicy Honey Chicken Meets Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort food gets a delicious upgrade with sweet & spicy honey chicken macaroni and cheese. Creamy pasta blends perfectly with crispy, glazed chicken, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies cravings and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by thoroughly coating pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is completely covered for optimal crispiness.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet and carefully fry chicken until achieving a golden, crisp exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside momentarily.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and smoked paprika.
5. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
6. Return fried chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece is generously coated with the sticky, spicy glaze.
7. Cook chicken in sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, guaranteeing thorough heating and maximum flavor absorption.
8. Simultaneously, bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until perfectly al dente.
9. In a separate saucepan, create a roux by melting butter and incorporating flour, stirring until the mixture turns a delicate golden color.
10. Gradually introduce warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and encourage a smooth, creamy texture.
11. Once sauce thickens, remove from heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted.
12. Enhance the cheese sauce with a touch of Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Fold cooked macaroni into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
14. Plate the creamy macaroni and cheese as a delectable base, then crown with the sweet and spicy honey chicken.
15. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the top.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat that absorbs sauce better than chicken breast.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure extra crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Adjust sriracha quantity to control spice level, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal heat tolerance.
• Customize cheese blend by experimenting with different types like gruyère, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg