You know that moment when you take a bite of something so perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and creamy that you just have to close your eyes and savor it? That’s exactly what happens with this Hot Honey Wings Recipe paired with the dreamiest Shrimp Mac and Cheese. I stumbled upon this combo during one of those lazy Sunday game days when I couldn’t decide between spicy wings or comfort food – so I made both! The crispy, sticky wings with their fiery honey glaze play so well against the rich, cheesy pasta loaded with plump shrimp. It’s like your taste buds get the best of all worlds in one indulgent meal.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Wings Recipe
Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons. First, that perfect balance of sweet honey and fiery hot sauce? Absolute magic. It’s got just enough kick to make things interesting but won’t leave you gasping for water. Second, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—whether you’re hosting game night or just craving some serious comfort food. The best part? You can dial the heat up or down with extra chili flakes or a milder hot sauce. And let’s not forget those crispy wings paired with that dreamy, creamy shrimp mac and cheese. It’s like the ultimate flavor party in your mouth!
Ingredients for Hot Honey Wings and Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because getting these right makes ALL the difference. For the wings, you’ll need 1 lb chicken wings (split at the joints, tips removed—trust me, nobody wants to chew through those tips!). The seasoning is simple but mighty: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika (this adds that deep, smoky flavor), and salt & black pepper to taste. For frying or baking, just grab whatever oil you’ve got on hand—I usually use vegetable or canola.
Now for the star of the show—that hot honey glaze! You’ll need 1/4 cup honey (the good stuff, not the fake syrup), 1 tbsp hot sauce (I swear by Frank’s RedHot for that perfect tangy heat), 1 tsp chili flakes if you’re feeling extra spicy, and 1 tbsp butter to bring it all together.
For the shrimp mac and cheese, start with 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta you love). The shrimp—3/4 lb, peeled and deveined—gets sautéed in 1 tbsp butter with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The cheese sauce? Oh, it’s dreamy: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour for the roux, 2 cups whole milk (none of that skim milk nonsense here), 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, and 1/2 cup mozzarella if you want that extra stretchy goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika and parsley for color. Now we’re talking!
How to Make Hot Honey Wings
Alright, let’s get those wings crispy and glazed to perfection! First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (that sweet spot for crispy skin). While that’s heating up, pat your wings dry with paper towels. This step is CRUCIAL—moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Toss them in a bowl with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
Arrange the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this lets air circulate for maximum crispiness) and pop them in the oven. Now, here’s the trick—don’t touch them for 45 minutes! Let them do their thing while you work on that magical glaze.
For the glaze, melt 1 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the honey and hot sauce (plus chili flakes if you’re going for extra heat), stirring constantly. Watch it like a hawk—honey burns FAST if you’re not careful. You want it just bubbly and smooth, about 1-2 minutes max. Remove from heat immediately—it’ll keep thickening as it cools.
When the wings come out golden and crispy, toss them in a big bowl with that glossy hot honey glaze. Get every nook and cranny coated—this is where the magic happens! Serve immediately while they’re still piping hot and sticky. Oh, and keep napkins handy—things are about to get deliciously messy!
How to Make Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Let’s dive into making the creamiest, dreamiest shrimp mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted! First, get that pasta going—bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your elbow macaroni until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain it but don’t rinse—you want that starchy goodness to help the cheese sauce cling later.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Toss in your shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You’ll know they’re perfect when they curl into little pink “C” shapes—just 3-4 minutes max! Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, and we’re not about that life. Set them aside when done.
Now for the showstopper—the cheese sauce! Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same pot you’ll mix everything in. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute until it smells nutty. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly—this prevents lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Kill the heat and stir in your cheeses until they melt into silky perfection. Fold in the cooked pasta and shrimp gently—you want those beauties to stay intact! A final sprinkle of paprika and parsley makes it look as good as it tastes. Serve immediately while it’s gloriously gooey!
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Wings Recipe
Listen, I’ve made enough batches of these wings to know exactly what makes them shine! First – pat those wings DRY before seasoning. Water is crispiness’s worst enemy! Second, taste your hot sauce first – some pack more heat than others. Start with 1 tbsp and add more if needed. Fresh shrimp makes all the difference in the mac and cheese – frozen works in a pinch but lacks that sweet, plump texture. And please, PLEASE grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy. Trust me on this – it’s worth the extra minute of effort!
Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Wings
Oh honey, let’s talk about setting the stage for these wings! I love piling them high on a big platter with crisp celery sticks and carrot batons—the cool crunch is perfect against that sticky heat. A side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is non-negotiable in my book (extra for dipping, always!). For my spice-loving friends, I put out little bowls of extra hot sauce and chili flakes. Game nights? Double the recipe—these disappear FAST! Casual dinner? Just add napkins and let everyone dig in with their hands. Pure comfort food heaven!
Storing and Reheating
Okay, let’s talk leftovers—because let’s be real, this combo is so good you might actually have some! The key is storing wings and mac separately to keep their textures perfect. Toss the wings in an airtight container—they’ll keep in the fridge for 3 days. For the mac and cheese, transfer it to a separate container while still slightly warm (this prevents drying out). When reheating, give the wings 10 minutes in a 350°F oven to bring back their crispiness. For the mac, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk—stir constantly until it’s creamy again. Microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that luscious texture. Pro tip: The glaze might thicken in the fridge—just warm it briefly before tossing with reheated wings!
Hot Honey Wings Recipe FAQs
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling gives the wings an amazing smoky char. Just cook them over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning often. Finish them by brushing with the hot honey glaze right at the end—this prevents burning the sugar.
How do I make these wings spicier?
Oh, you like it hot? I got you! Double the hot sauce, add extra chili flakes, or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. My brother-in-law swears by adding a dash of habanero sauce—just warn your guests first!
Can I use frozen shrimp for the mac and cheese?
You can, but thaw them first! Pat them super dry after thawing—no one wants watery mac. Fresh shrimp definitely taste better, but frozen works in a pinch if that’s what you’ve got.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup makes a great swap with its own rich flavor. Agave nectar works too, though it’s thinner—you might need to simmer the glaze longer to thicken. Just avoid corn syrup—it’s too sweet and artificial tasting.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s keep it real – this isn’t diet food, but oh boy is it worth every delicious bite! One serving (and trust me, you’ll want every last morsel) clocks in around 840 calories. You’re looking at 42g fat (18g saturated – that’s the good stuff from all that butter and cheese!), 65g carbs, and a whopping 55g protein from those plump shrimp and crispy wings. Just remember – these numbers are estimates since we all tweak recipes differently (extra cheese, anyone?). But hey, comfort food is about joy, not math – so dig in guilt-free!
Print
Spicy Hot Honey Wings Recipe – 5 Irresistible Flavor Tricks
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
The ultimate comfort food combo with bold heat and creamy dreams! Hot Honey Wings paired with Shrimp Mac & Cheese make a perfect game day meal or soul food dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying or baking
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for extra kick)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3/4 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tbsp butter (for shrimp)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to season shrimp
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup mozzarella (optional for extra pull)
- Paprika & parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season wings with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 45 mins or fry until crispy.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes. Stir until smooth and bubbling.
- Sauté shrimp in butter and seasonings for 3-4 mins until pink.
- Cook pasta. In another pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk to make a béchamel. Stir in cheese until melty and smooth.
- Fold in shrimp with mac and cheese, top with paprika and parsley. Toss hot wings in the honey glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust hot sauce and chili flakes to control spice level.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Baking wings results in crispiness without excess oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking/Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 280mg