Honey Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese

This honey chipotle chicken mac and cheese brings together crispy, spicy chicken and a velvety cheese sauce with a sweet, smoky kick. Cubed chicken breasts are tossed in smoky chipotle seasoning, seared until golden, then glazed in sticky honey chipotle sauce.

The macaroni is coated in a rich cheddar and smoked gouda sauce, and the chicken is piled on top for a dinner that's as comforting as it is bold. Every bite has a little heat, a little sweetness, and a lot of cheese.

Mac and cheese gets a serious upgrade with crispy chipotle chicken and a sticky honey glaze. The chicken is seasoned with smoky chipotle, seared until crunchy, then tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce.

The pasta is wrapped in a creamy sauce made with sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, which adds a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent and special, but comes together in under an hour. Serve it straight from the pot for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The method here is all about building layers of flavor. Seasoning the chicken with chipotle before searing gives it a smoky, spicy crust that stays crispy even after being tossed in the honey sauce.

The glaze adds sweetness and a sticky texture that clings to every piece, so each bite of chicken is bold and saucy. Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet ensures it gets browned and crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside.

The cheese sauce relies on two cheeses: sharp cheddar for tang and smoked gouda for a rich, smoky depth. Grating the cheese yourself ensures it melts smoothly into the milk, creating a velvety sauce without any graininess.

The macaroni is cooked al dente, so it holds up to the thick sauce and the weight of the chicken on top. The final stretchy pull when you lift a scoop is the proof that the sauce is perfectly creamy.

Notes and substitutions

Use a good-quality sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, and grate them fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy instead of silky. Smoked gouda is the key to the smoky flavor, but if you can't find it, smoked provolone or smoked mozzarella are good substitutes. The chipotle seasoning can be adjusted to your heat preference, but the smoky flavor is essential.

Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta like cavatappi, shells, or penne works well. Whole milk gives the sauce the richest texture, but 2% milk with an extra tablespoon of butter will also work. The honey chipotle sauce can be store-bought or homemade; if making your own, combine honey with chipotle hot sauce or adobo sauce. Taste the sauce before adding salt, as the cheese and seasoning already add saltiness.

• smoked gouda: smoked provolone or smoked mozzarella for a similar smoky flavor
• elbow macaroni: cavatappi, shells, or penne
• whole milk: 2% milk plus 2 tbsp butter for a slightly lighter sauce
• honey chipotle sauce: mix 1/4 cup honey with 2 tbsp chipotle hot sauce

Equipment

• Box grater
• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons