Honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo you didn’t know you needed—until now. It blends the rich creaminess of classic mac with the sweet heat of buffalo-glazed chicken, creating a dish that’s bold, balanced, and seriously satisfying. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to make it from scratch, along with smart variations, serving tips, and answers to popular questions. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or game-day favorite, this recipe brings crave-worthy flavor to your table, fast.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1: Why Honey Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese Deserves a Spot at Your Table
The Power of Comfort Food with a Twist
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about creamy mac and cheese, but when you top it with tender honey buffalo chicken? That’s a game-changer. This dish marries two favorites into one flavorful, satisfying meal. The velvety cheese sauce hugs every pasta shell, while the chicken brings just enough spice to wake up your taste buds. And the honey? It smooths out the heat and adds a mellow sweetness that keeps you coming back for another bite..
What I love about this honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese recipe is that it’s comfort food—but upgraded. It’s not just about indulgence; it’s about balance. The bold tang of the buffalo sauce is tempered by the honey, and the richness of the mac is lifted with a hint of garlic and paprika. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry friends, this dish strikes that perfect middle ground.
Why This Version Works So Well
Most honey buffalo recipes call for wings or tenders. I take it further by pairing that bold chicken with mac and cheese that’s made entirely from scratch. No boxed shortcuts, just real ingredients that come together in about 30 minutes. You get the perfect contrast—heat, sweet, and savory—all in one bowl. This honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese will soon be your go-to for when you want comfort food with real flavor punch.
2: How to Make Honey Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese from Scratch
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
To make honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese, you won’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. For the chicken, go with boneless thighs or breasts. They cook quickly and hold flavor well. The buffalo sauce is a blend of hot sauce, butter, and honey—nothing more. For the mac and cheese, you’ll use elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, milk, butter, and flour for a quick roux-based sauce.
Here’s a quick ingredient breakdown:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast/thighs | 1.5 lbs, cut into strips |
| Hot sauce (like Frank’s) | 1/3 cup |
| Honey | 3 tbsp |
| Butter (for buffalo sauce) | 2 tbsp |
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups (uncooked) |
| Sharp cheddar (grated) | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1½ cups |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Butter (for roux) | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder, paprika | ½ tsp each |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
This blend gives the honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese its signature creamy base and kick of heat.
Step-by-Step: Cook with Confidence
Start by cooking your pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook the chicken strips with a bit of oil, seasoning them with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Once golden, pour in your honey buffalo sauce (just melt the hot sauce, honey, and butter together). Let it coat the chicken and simmer slightly.
In a separate pot, melt butter, stir in flour, and whisk until smooth. Slowly add milk to form a thick sauce, then stir in the cheese until melty and smooth. Combine it with the cooked pasta. Top with your buffalo chicken, or mix it in completely if you like everything coated.
3: Serving Tips and Easy Variations for Honey Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese
How to Serve It Just Right
When it comes to serving honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese, you’ve got options. Some like to layer the spicy chicken right over the creamy mac, while others prefer to toss it all together for bold flavor in every bite. Either way, this dish shines when served warm, garnished with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
If you’re hosting a crowd, bake it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheddar and a handful of panko breadcrumbs. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Customizations to Make It Your Own
The beauty of honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese is how easily you can tweak it. Want more heat? Use a hotter sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer it sweeter? Bump up the honey by a tablespoon. If you’re going low-carb, sub the pasta with cauliflower florets or use chickpea pasta for added protein.
No matter how you serve it, honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese delivers big flavor with every bite. It’s comfort food, reinvented.
4: Nutrition, Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Honey Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Smart Prep & Leftover Storage
One of the best things about honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the cheese sauce and stir gently over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
If you’re planning ahead, cook the chicken and mac separately, then combine and bake when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. For freezer meals, assemble it fully in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition Notes and Adjustments
This honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese recipe makes about 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains around 600–700 calories, depending on your cheese and pasta choices. To reduce calories or fat, use skim milk, light cheddar, or a high-protein pasta. Swap chicken thighs for lean breast meat, and cut back slightly on butter in both the sauce and buffalo glaze.
For gluten-free diners, opt for gluten-free pasta and use a GF flour blend in your cheese sauce. If you’re lactose-sensitive, try a dairy-free cheese alternative and plant-based milk—just be sure to pick one that’s unsweetened.
With the right swaps, this dish becomes flexible for almost any diet, without sacrificing flavor. That’s what makes honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese such a keeper—it’s indulgent, but adaptable.
5: FAQ: Air Fryer Steak Bites – Quick Answers for Tender, Juicy Results
How long should you cook steak bites in the air fryer?
Steak bites typically cook in the air fryer at 400°F for about 7–10 minutes, depending on the thickness. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
How long do you cook steak in the air fryer?
For full steaks, cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Should I marinate steak bites?
Yes, marinating steak bites enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Even a quick 30-minute soak in olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs makes a big difference.
How to make steak crispy in an air fryer?
To get that crisp edge, pat steak bites dry before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket. You can also finish with a quick broil or an extra minute at high heat.
How do you know when steak bites are done?
Steak bites are done when they reach your desired doneness and have a browned, caramelized exterior. Cut into one or use a thermometer—135°F is medium-rare, 145°F is medium.
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6: Conclusion: A Dish Worth Repeating
Honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese isn’t just another dinner—it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together or simply craving something cozy, this dish always hits the spot. Make it once, and it might just become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine.
Honey Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese: The Comfort Classic with a Bold Kick
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This honey buffalo chicken and mac and cheese recipe blends creamy, cheesy pasta with spicy-sweet buffalo chicken for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for family dinners, game day, or cozy nights in, it’s easy to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
1/3 cup hot sauce (e.g. Frank’s RedHot)
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Make the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add hot sauce and honey. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Add buffalo-honey sauce to the skillet, toss to coat, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Combine pasta and cheese sauce. Stir until fully coated and creamy.
Serve: Plate the mac and cheese and top with buffalo chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions or blue cheese if desired.
Notes
You can use gluten-free pasta and flour if needed.
For more heat, increase the hot sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Make ahead: prepare components separately and combine before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American