Few meals feel as comforting and satisfying as a plate piled high with crispy glazed chicken wings, creamy macaroni and cheese, and tender sweet yams. The wings are baked until beautifully crisp and coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze, while the mac and cheese delivers rich, cheesy comfort and the sweet yams add a naturally sweet, buttery finish.
This hearty combination is perfect for Sunday dinner, family gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a classic comfort-food feast.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Yams
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over it.
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is one of the keys to getting crispy skin.
Place the wings in a large bowl and toss with baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack without allowing them to touch too closely.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the skin is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While the wings are cooking, combine the honey, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, melted butter, soy sauce, minced garlic, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan.
Warm over medium-low heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened.
When the wings are crispy, toss them with the warm glaze until evenly coated.
Return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to help the glaze become sticky and caramelized.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just tender.
Drain well and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella a little at a time. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni and stir until every piece is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
For an extra-rich baked version, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese over the top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Sweet Yams
Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large saucepan. Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, water, and a small pinch of salt.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove the lid during the final few minutes and allow the syrup to thicken slightly.
Avoid stirring too aggressively so the sweet potatoes remain in chunky pieces rather than turning into mashed sweet potatoes.
How to Serve
For the classic presentation, spoon a generous portion of creamy mac and cheese onto each plate. Add several crispy glazed wings alongside it and finish with a serving of buttery sweet yams.
The combination works beautifully because every part of the plate offers something different—the wings are savory and sticky, the mac and cheese is rich and creamy, and the yams provide a sweet, warmly spiced contrast.
Helpful Tips
Dry the wings well: Moisture is the enemy of crispy chicken skin. Pat the wings very dry before seasoning.
Don’t skip the baking powder: A small amount helps promote a crispier exterior when baking.
Glaze at the end: Adding the glaze too early can cause the sugars to burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Keep the yams chunky: Gentle cooking and occasional stirring help the sweet potatoes maintain their shape.
Adjust the heat: Add more or less hot sauce to the wing glaze depending on your preferred level of spice.
Make-Ahead Option
The mac and cheese and sweet yams can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving. The chicken wings are best cooked and glazed shortly before serving so they remain crisp.
If reheating the wings, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave for better texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Glazed Chicken Wings with Creamy Mac and Cheese and Sweet Yams dinner is the ultimate comfort-food combination. From the crunchy, sticky wings to the silky cheese sauce and tender cinnamon-brown-sugar yams, every bite brings a satisfying mix of savory, sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors.
It’s a meal that’s hearty enough for a special Sunday dinner but comforting enough to make whenever you want something truly satisfying.