Juicy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Mac & Cheese

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, home-cooked meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Juicy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Mac & Cheese is the perfect dish to serve on a cozy evening when you want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, buttery chicken glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce pairs beautifully with creamy, cheesy macaroni that melts in your mouth with every bite.

This recipe is inspired by classic comfort foods we all grew up loving, from Sunday dinners to festive family gatherings. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to make any occasion feel like a celebration. The combination of juicy chicken, buttery sauce, and golden mac and cheese creates a meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Mac & Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Preparing the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and soy sauce until well combined.

4. Cook the chicken in sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and glazed with the sauce.

5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken before serving to add a fresh touch and vibrant color.

Making the Cheesy Mac & Cheese

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a smooth paste.

3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

4. Incorporate the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated. For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Balance sweetness and saltiness: Adjust honey or soy sauce to taste for a perfectly balanced glaze.

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic in jars if possible, as it can have a slightly bitter taste when cooked.

• Rest the chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Tips for Creamy Cheesy Mac & Cheese

• Use full-fat milk: Whole milk gives a creamier texture. For an even richer dish, try a combination of milk and cream.

• Don’t skip the roux: The butter and flour base ensures the cheese sauce thickens evenly and doesn’t separate.

• Cheese selection matters: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or gouda for added creaminess.

• Add a crunchy topping: For a baked version, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This meal shines on its own but can be paired with a few simple sides for a complete dinner:

• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add freshness and a pop of color.

• Fresh salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover honey garlic butter sauce.

For a fun twist, you can also serve the chicken on top of the mac and cheese, drizzling extra honey garlic butter over the entire plate for a truly indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and easy: Both components of this dish come together in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.

2. Comfort food at its best: The combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal.

3. Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables, swap in different cheeses, or adjust sweetness levels to suit your taste.

4. Kid-friendly: The cheesy mac and honey garlic flavors make this dish a hit with children and adults alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping or making ahead of time. You can cook both the chicken and the mac and cheese separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain its tenderness and juiciness. The mac and cheese can be reheated in the microwave or oven; if the sauce has thickened, simply add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. Preparing this meal ahead is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without last-minute stress.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which makes them perfect for soaking up the sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce. Keep in mind that chicken thighs may require a few extra minutes of cooking compared to breasts, so adjust your cooking time slightly and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This substitution can make the dish even more tender and rich, creating a slightly deeper flavor while maintaining that irresistible golden glaze.

3. Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, both the chicken and mac and cheese can be frozen separately. For best results, freeze the chicken before glazing it with the honey garlic butter sauce, then add the sauce when you’re ready to serve. The mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. When reheating, do so in the oven rather than the microwave for the best texture, adding a splash of milk if the cheese sauce has thickened. Freezing is an excellent option for batch cooking, making this a convenient meal for busy schedules while still offering that homemade comfort food taste.

4. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes! There are several ways to lighten up this dish without losing flavor. Swap butter for olive oil in the chicken for a lower-fat option, or use low-fat milk in the mac and cheese. You can also incorporate pureed cauliflower or butternut squash into the cheese sauce for extra vegetables and fiber. Serving the meal with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables adds nutrients and balances the richness of the dish. These small tweaks allow you to enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal while keeping it a bit lighter and more nutritious.

Prep and Cook Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Notes

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and taste before serving.

• Extra garlic flavor: For garlic lovers, roast a few additional cloves and add them to the sauce before serving.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick.

• Cheese variations: Mix cheddar with Gruyère, Fontina, or Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor profile in your mac and cheese.

Conclusion

Juicy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that delivers both flavor and satisfaction in every bite. It’s perfect for cozy nights at home, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a dish that’s rich, buttery, and incredibly delicious. With its simple ingredients, easy steps, and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your loved ones, or hosting a dinner party, this dish combines the best of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors to create a meal that’s irresistible. Grab your skillet, pasta pot, and a little patience, and prepare for a culinary experience that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

Juicy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Mac & Cheese

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting and indulgent meal combines juicy, buttery chicken glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this dish is easy to make yet feels special enough for any occasion. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Mac & Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

• Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.

• Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

• Stir in honey and soy sauce until well combined. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.

• Sprinkle chopped parsley over chicken before serving.

• Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

• Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

• Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring until smooth.

• Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Sprinkle Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

• Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and slightly richer flavor.

• Add roasted vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.

• For baked mac and cheese, top with breadcrumbs and broil until golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Michelle Davis