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Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese

Irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese You’ll Crave

This Hot Honey Chicken Mac N Cheese is a spicy-sweet comfort food that combines creamy cheese with crunchy glazed chicken.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700

Ingredients
  

For the Macaroni
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Any small pasta can be used as a substitute.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Margarine can be used as a dairy-free option.
  • ¼ cup Flour Feel free to swap in gluten-free flour.
  • 2 cups Milk Almond or oat milk are excellent non-dairy choices.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Consider a blend with mozzarella or gouda.
  • ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Any similar melting cheese can substitute.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Chicken breasts are a leaner substitute but be careful not to overcook.
  • ¼ cup Hot Honey Mix regular honey with chili flakes for a homemade version.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust these to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Can use cayenne for extra spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Onion powder can be used as well.
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Chopped Parsley Optional but highly recommended!

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta carefully in a colander and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  3. Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  4. Pat 1 pound of chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  5. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and brush generously with hot honey.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish, level it evenly, and place the glazed chicken thighs on top.
  8. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges bubble and turn golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal crispiness, avoid overcrowding the skillet while frying chicken. Use a wire rack when baking for best results.

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