Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese can be made ahead for busy days. Prepare the mac and cheese first and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Likewise, you can cook the chicken and keep it separate. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mac and cheese gently on the stove, toss the chicken in the spicy honey glaze, and assemble everything fresh. By keeping the components separate, you’ll maintain the crispiness of the chicken and the creaminess of the pasta without any sogginess.

What cheeses melt best for mac and cheese?

If you want that dreamy, creamy pull, go for cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, and freshly shredded Parmesan. These melt smoothly and give your Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese the rich, luscious texture everyone craves. Avoid pre-shredded bagged cheeses when you can; they often have added starches that can make your sauce gritty.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Great question! To amp up the heat, simply add a little more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. Want it milder? Cut the cayenne in half or use just a pinch. The beauty of Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese is how easy it is to tweak to fit your spice comfort zone. Taste as you go — your taste buds will thank you!

Can I bake the mac and cheese instead of stovetop?

Oh yes, you totally can! Once your mac and cheese is creamy and dreamy, you can transfer it to a greased baking dish, top it with extra cheese (because why not?), and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Then just pile your spicy honey chicken right on top for a truly irresistible meal.

Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe

Description

Spicy Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, sweet-spicy chicken with rich, creamy mac and cheese in a cozy, homemade dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (16 oz) box spiral noodles
1 (25 oz) bag breaded chicken strips
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
¾ cup honey
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 stick butter
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions until crispy and golden. Set aside.
Boil the spiral noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring until smooth. Add minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Toss the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Dip the crispy chicken into the spicy honey glaze until coated well.
Plate the mac and cheese, top with glazed chicken, sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh basil over the top, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper to the honey glaze.
Bake the assembled dish for a crispy, golden top if preferred.
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results.
Store components separately if making ahead to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop and Oven (optional for casserole style)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 710
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: spicy honey chicken recipe, honey glazed chicken with mac, sweet and spicy chicken pasta, spicy chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy chicken recipes