If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat with creamy comfort, the Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish brings together tender, golden chicken coated in a lip-tingling honey-soy blend and luxurious macaroni smothered in cheddar cheese and cream. It’s warm, inviting, and has just the right kick to wake up your taste buds without overpowering them. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors and delightful textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich depth of soy sauce to the creamy smoothness of cheddar cheese, these essentials work together beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory aroma that complements the spicy notes perfectly.
- Onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Packs the heat that gives this dish its signature spicy kick.
- Honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness and sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce: Delivers a salty umami punch that ties all the flavors together.
- Chicken breast: The star protein, cut into perfect bite-sized pieces ready to soak up all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful shell.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape chosen for its ability to hold creamy cheese sauce well.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the pasta creating a luscious, cheesy coating you’ll love.
- Heavy cream: Adds velvety richness and smooth texture to the macaroni.
- Green onions: Freshly chopped for a pop of color and mild onion flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe
Step 1: Prep Everything
Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out carefully – this sets you up for smooth sailing through the cooking process. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels; this simple step ensures the chicken browns beautifully, giving you that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you focus on the chicken and sauce. Doing this first means your mac will be perfectly cooked but still warm enough to combine later.
Step 3: Mix the Spicy Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. This simple but flavorful sauce will coat the chicken, providing that iconic sweet and spicy glaze that defines this dish. It’s a game-changer!
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. While the oil heats, coat every piece of chicken in flour — this step is key to locking in juiciness and creating a crisp, golden crust. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are cooked through and beautifully browned.
Step 5: Coat Chicken with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the spicy honey sauce over it directly in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes. This is where all the flavors come alive, transforming the dish into a perfect spicy-sweet masterpiece.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Macaroni
Add the drained macaroni into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. This helps the noodles soak up the luscious sauce and brings all the ingredients together in glorious harmony.
Step 7: Add Cream and Cheese
Slowly stir in the heavy cream followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth, enveloping the chicken and macaroni in a rich blanket of cheesy goodness. This final step elevates the dish into ultimate comfort food territory.
How to Serve Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions sprinkled generously over the top add a lovely burst of color and a subtle sharpness that balances the richness of the dish. You can also add a few extra red pepper flakes if you want to enhance the heat for adventurous eaters.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a one-pan meal, but if you want to add variety, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus provide a healthy, crunchy counterpoint to the creamy macaroni and spicy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic, homey vibe or in a large serving bowl to encourage family-style dining. You can also plate it alongside garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce for a fun twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the macaroni from drying out, so you’ll still enjoy that creamy, spicy goodness even a day or two later.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can substitute with shells, penne, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to hold up well when mixed with the sauce and chicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes to tone down the heat. The honey will provide sweetness to maintain a nice balance, keeping the dish flavorful but milder.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and tender.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk mixed with a bit of butter can work as a substitute, though the sauce may be slightly less thick and rich. For a lighter version, you could also try half-and-half.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken and ensure your pasta is a gluten-free variety. Also, double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate; it has all the sweet, spicy, creamy comforts we love with an exciting flavor twist that keeps things interesting. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s swiftly become a favorite in my kitchen — and I’m sure it will be in yours too. So go ahead, make a batch, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac is a delightful fusion dish combining tender, golden-brown chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy honey-soy sauce, mixed with creamy cheddar macaroni. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a rich, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and measure them accurately. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure better browning during cooking.
- Cook Macaroni: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this spicy honey sauce aside to use later.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces in the all-purpose flour, coating them evenly. Add the coated chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared honey-soy sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken fully.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked elbow macaroni directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top as a fresh garnish just before serving. Enjoy your Spicy Honey Chicken and Mac warm.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before flouring helps achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and provides superior flavor to pre-shredded varieties.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
