Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

The sizzle of butter meeting garlic, the sweet aroma of honey caramelizing in the pan, and the tender juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken – this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a symphony of flavors and textures that will transform your dinner routine. This comforting dish combines the irresistible sweet and savory profile of honey garlic butter sauce with the nostalgic creaminess of homemade mac and cheese for a meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to impress dinner guests, this one-dish wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors while ensuring your chicken stays moist and your mac and cheese reaches the pinnacle of creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese isn’t just another weeknight dinner – it’s a culinary experience that brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods. The succulent chicken thighs, bathed in a glossy honey garlic butter sauce, develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. Meanwhile, the mac and cheese portion offers the perfect contrast with its creamy, velvety texture and rich cheese flavor.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and convenience. The entire meal comes together in under an hour, making it doable even on busy weeknights. The honey garlic butter sauce creates an addictive sweet-savory flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children, solving the eternal “what’s for dinner” debate.

The textural contrast between the slightly crisp chicken exterior, the silky sauce, and the creamy mac and cheese creates a dish that’s interesting with every bite. Plus, the vibrant golden color of the chicken and the rich yellow of the cheesy pasta make for an Instagram-worthy plate that tastes even better than it looks.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 3 cups (340g) shredded cheese blend (medium cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère work well)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tips

Master the Honey Garlic Sauce: The key to an extraordinary Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese lies in the sauce. For the perfect consistency, let the honey, butter, and garlic simmer together until slightly thickened but not reduced too much – about 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld while maintaining that gorgeous glossy finish that will coat your chicken beautifully. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: For chicken that’s crispy outside and juicy inside, start with room temperature meat (take it out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking). Season generously with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot pan until golden brown before adding the sauce. Most importantly, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Create Ultra-Creamy Mac & Cheese: The secret to silky, never-grainy mac and cheese is all in the technique. Start with a proper roux (equal parts butter and flour), cook it until it smells nutty (about 1 minute), then gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. The game-changer: remove the sauce from heat before stirring in the cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese without separating the fats, resulting in that restaurant-quality creaminess every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the macaroni according to package directions, cooking until al dente (typically 1-2 minutes less than indicated on the package). Drain and set aside, tossing with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This crucial step ensures proper browning and flavor development.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, occasionally basting the chicken with the sauce, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6: While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the mac & cheese. In a separate large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 7: Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 8: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheese blend, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Serve the honey garlic butter chicken over or alongside the creamy mac & cheese. Drizzle additional sauce from the pan over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Transform your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese into a heat-lover’s dream by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or gochujang to the sauce. The spicy kick creates an exciting counterpoint to the sweet honey and rich mac and cheese, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their comfort food.

Bacon Loaded Version: Elevate this comforting dish by adding 6-8 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled and folded into the mac and cheese. The smoky, savory notes of the bacon complement the sweet honey garlic chicken beautifully. For extra indulgence, top the mac and cheese with a mixture of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 cup additional cheese, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe easily converts to gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, replacing the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch (mixed with cold water before adding), and substituting tamari for the soy sauce. These simple swaps maintain all the flavor and texture of the original honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese while making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken with sauce and the mac & cheese separately. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the mac & cheese to restore its creaminess, and warm over medium-low heat or in the microwave. The chicken can be reheated in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water to create steam that will keep it moist.

For an impressive presentation, serve this dish family-style on a large platter with the mac & cheese forming a bed for the glazed chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For meal prep, portion into microwave-safe containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually develop overnight, making the leftovers possibly even more delicious than the original meal!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Since breasts are leaner than thighs, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side to prevent them from drying out. For maximum juiciness, consider brining the breasts in saltwater for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The honey garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The mac & cheese component reheats beautifully – just add a splash of milk when rewarming to restore its creaminess. For best results, cook the chicken fresh before serving.

What’s the best cheese blend for the mac & cheese?
A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère creates the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. If you prefer a stronger flavor, substitute some of the cheddar with aged Gouda or Fontina. Always grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce.

Can I make this recipe in one pot?
Yes! Cook the pasta first, drain and set aside. Use the same pot to prepare the chicken and sauce, then remove and keep warm. Make the mac & cheese in that same pot, and combine everything before serving. This method saves on cleanup while maintaining all the flavor.

How can I make this healthier?
For a lighter version, use chicken breasts, reduce the butter by half, substitute honey with maple syrup (which has a lower glycemic index), and make the mac & cheese with whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat milk, and less cheese. Add steamed broccoli or peas to the mac & cheese for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness that satisfies the soul with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable family meals, bringing everyone to the table with smiles of anticipation. Whether you’re cooking to impress, feeding picky eaters, or simply craving something deliciously comforting, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The balance of flavors, textures, and the relative ease of preparation make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So grab your skillet, embrace the aroma of garlic and honey, and prepare to create a new favorite in your recipe collection.

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