Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese combines tender, caramelized chicken breasts glazed in a flavorful honey garlic butter sauce served alongside rich and creamy cheddar mac and cheese. This comforting meal features perfectly cooked chicken with a sticky, sweet-savory finish paired with velvety homemade cheese sauce coating al dente elbow macaroni, garnished with fresh parsley for an easy yet indulgent dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Glaze
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce or apple cider vinegar (optional)
Mac & Cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh or dried parsley
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts partially lengthwise to help the glaze soak in and ensure even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Make the honey garlic butter glaze: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sweetness: Stir in honey and soy sauce or apple cider vinegar if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until combined and slightly thickened, then set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden and browned.
- Glaze it up: Flip the chicken and brush generously with the honey garlic butter glaze. Continue cooking another 4-5 minutes, brushing more glaze several times, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Cook your macaroni: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente following package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add the milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cheesy goodness: Reduce heat and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder and mustard powder if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix it all: Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Serve and garnish: Slice the honey garlic chicken and plate with a generous scoop of creamy mac & cheese. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy: Serve while warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- Partially slicing the chicken breasts before seasoning allows the glaze to penetrate deeply for better flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping it moist and tender.
- Whisk constantly when making the cheese sauce to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Mac & cheese can be made ahead and gently reheated on low while cooking the chicken.
- A meat thermometer is helpful to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Keywords: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken,Creamy Mac and Cheese,Comfort Food,Easy Dinner Recipe,One Pan Chicken Recipe