Description
Hot Honey Chicken Mac Crunch Bake is a bold and cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with crispy chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, spicy hot honey glaze, and crunchy topping for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked crispy chicken, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni and mix until fully coated.
- Transfer mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
- Top evenly with crispy chicken pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle hot honey sauce over the chicken.
- Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or air-fried chicken for convenience.
- Adjust hot sauce to control spice level.
- Panko breadcrumbs create extra crunch.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Add jalapeños for even more heat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American