Blackened Chicken Mac & Cheese with Heat Street Detroit 313 - Honey Roasted Habanero
This Blackened Chicken Mac & Cheese takes classic comfort food to the next level with bold Detroit heat. Tender blackened chicken and cavatappi noodles are tossed in a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce kicked up with Heat Street Detroit 313 Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce.
Smoky, savory, cheesy, and just a little sweet, the honey-roasted habanero brings the perfect balance of flavor and heat to every bite. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but bold enough for game day, football parties, or a cozy weekend meal, this spicy mac and cheese is serious comfort food with a Heat Street twist.
Time | Duration |
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 25 - 30 minutes |
Total Time | 40 - 45 minutes |
Difficulty Level | Easy🌶️ |
Serves | 6 - 8 |
Ingredients
For the Blackened Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons blackened seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Heat Street Detroit Hot 313 Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce
For the Mac & Cheese
12 ounces cavatappi noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1–2 tablespoons Heat Street Detroit Hot 313 Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce (more to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
Chopped parsley
Extra shredded cheese
A drizzle of Heat Street Detroit Hot 313 Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce
Easy Prep Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Blacken the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, blackened seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely blackened and cooked through.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard (if using), and the Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce.
Stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Combine Everything
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Add the blackened chicken and gently stir everything together.
5. Serve
Top with extra cheese, chopped parsley, and an extra drizzle of Heat Street Detroit Hot 313 Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce for even more sweet heat.
Chef's Tips
For extra spice, add another tablespoon of Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce to the cheese sauce.
Smoked cheddar can replace half the cheddar for a richer, smoky flavor.
Want a crispy finish? Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheddar and Parmesan, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Flavor Profile
This mac and cheese delivers bold blackened seasoning, rich, creamy cheese, and the sweet heat of Heat Street Detroit Hot 313 Honey Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce. The honey-roasted habanero adds a smooth balance of sweetness and fiery pepper flavor that complements the smoky chicken and velvety cheese sauce, making every bite savory, creamy, and satisfyingly spicy.
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