IRRESISTIBLE HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

Imagine sinking your fork into a bowl of perfectly cooked macaroni, smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, and studded with tender pieces of honey garlic butter chicken. This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more, combining the comforting classic with a sweet and savory twist that’s simply irresistible, so let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Breadcrumbs, toasted
• Green onions, sliced

Let’s Talk Chicken: Preparing for Success

Before we dive into the full recipe, let’s break down the chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this, but you can absolutely use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Marinating the chicken for even just 30 minutes will really amp up the flavor – think of it like giving your taste buds a little preview of what’s to come!

This Honey Pepper Chicken recipe is a close cousin to the flavour profile we’re creating today! Experiment with different peppers to modify the heat level to your liking.

Mastering the Creamy Macaroni And Cheese

Now, onto the star of the show: the creamy macaroni and cheese. The secret to a truly great mac and cheese is a smooth, luscious cheese sauce. We’re going to start with a roux – that’s just a fancy word for butter and flour cooked together – to thicken the milk and create a velvety base. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat; low and slow is the way to go to prevent lumps. And remember, patience is key! Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy before adding the cheese.

For a little extra oomph, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce. Trust me, it makes a world of difference! And speaking of cheese, feel free to experiment with different combinations. Cheddar is a classic, but Gruyere, Fontina, or even a little bit of Parmesan can add depth and complexity. If you are looking for other easy and satisfying meals, you should check out this Honey Garlic Sausage Sweet Potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Cook the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Make the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is the roux).
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese (if using) until melted and smooth.

Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. Gently fold in the honey garlic butter chicken.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, toasted breadcrumbs, or sliced green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese

Okay, let’s talk about some insider secrets to really take this dish to the next level. First, don’t be afraid to adjust the honey and soy sauce in the chicken to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more honey. If you want it more savory, add a splash more soy sauce. Also, if you want to take a look at another similar option, this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is fantastic!

And for the mac and cheese, try using a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. A little bit of smoked Gouda or sharp provolone can add a real kick. Don’t overcook the macaroni! Al dente is the way to go – it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce, and you don’t want it to turn mushy. Some people use this recipe as one of their Chicken Meal Prep Recipes.

Making it Ahead: Your New Best Meal Prep Friend

One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can easily make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to keep it creamy. This will quickly become one of your Best Meal Prep options, especially as Lunch Recipes Healthy go.

The honey garlic chicken component is great for meal prep on its own! You can pair it with rice, veggies, or even a salad for a quick and easy meal. Consider making a double batch of the chicken and using half for the mac and cheese and the other half for another meal during the week. You can even turn it into Honey Garlic Chicken, or even Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese.

Variations to Explore

Feeling adventurous? Let’s talk about some fun variations. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. Or, to boost the flavor of your Creamy Mac And Cheese, add a little bacon or bacon bits.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk and cheese. You can also add some spinach or kale to the mac and cheese for a boost of nutrients. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Whether you are using garlic butter to make Garlic Butter Chicken, or you’re using honey, you are in for an amazing and delicious treat.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

So there you have it – a decadent, comforting, and utterly irresistible Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, creamy and satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Get ready to cozy up with a big bowl of this goodness and enjoy every single bite!

Irresistible Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

Alice Yowell

This recipe combines the comfort of classic macaroni and cheese with the sweet and savory flavors of honey garlic butter chicken. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce and folded into a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, creating a truly irresistible dish. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 800 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese optional
• Chopped fresh parsley optional
• Toasted breadcrumbs optional
• Sliced green onions optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (the roux).
• Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese (if using) until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
• Gently fold in the honey garlic butter chicken.
• Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, toasted breadcrumbs, or sliced green onions, if desired.

Notes

Adjust the honey and soy sauce in the chicken to your liking. For a sweeter flavor, add more honey; for a more savory flavor, add more soy sauce. Try using a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile, such as smoked Gouda or sharp provolone. Don’t overcook the macaroni; al dente is best. The finished dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to keep it creamy. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for roasted vegetables.