Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food pairing. The juicy, golden-brown chicken is coated in a rich honey garlic butter sauce, balancing sweet and savory flavors. Paired with a creamy, cheesy macaroni, this dish is both indulgent and satisfying—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Perfection – The honey garlic butter sauce adds a deliciously rich flavor to the tender chicken.
• Creamy and Cheesy – The mac & cheese is made with a velvety cheddar cheese sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Both components reheat well, making it great for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside.

Prepare the Mac & Cheese

6. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
8. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
9. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
10. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat.

Serve

11. Plate the honey garlic butter chicken alongside the creamy mac & cheese.
12. Enjoy warm for the ultimate comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for extra heat.
• Different Cheese Options – Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooier mac & cheese.
• Healthier Option – Use whole wheat pasta and swap out the butter for olive oil in both the chicken and mac & cheese.
• Gluten-Free Alternative – Use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free pasta.
• Add Veggies – Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli to add more nutrients.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Mac & cheese can be frozen but may have a slightly different texture upon reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Reheat mac & cheese over low heat, adding a little milk to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I use a different cheese for the mac & cheese?

Yes, you can use gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different taste.

3. How do I make the honey garlic sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer for an extra 1-2 minutes, or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

A side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad pairs well.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, both components can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for easy reheating.

7. Can I use pre-cooked pasta for mac & cheese?

Yes, just ensure it is reheated before mixing it with the cheese sauce.

8. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavors make it a favorite for both kids and adults.

9. How can I make the mac & cheese creamier?

Add an extra 1/2 cup of cheese or stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for an even creamier texture.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking times.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting homemade meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese

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Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites glazed in a rich honey garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate comfort meal.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Searing & Boiling
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
4. Pour in honey and soy sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside.

Prepare the Mac & Cheese:

6. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
8. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
9. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
10. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat.

Serve:

11. Plate the honey garlic butter chicken alongside the creamy mac & cheese and enjoy!

Notes

• Chicken Variation: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option.
• Extra Creamy Mac & Cheese: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream for extra richness.
• Cheese Options: Mix in Monterey Jack or Gouda for a deeper cheese flavor.