Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese takes classic comfort food to a new level by combining succulent, flavorful chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead, it balances rich tastes with good nutrition. Each bite offers a comforting mix of sweet garlic butter sauce and smooth macaroni and cheese that everyone will love.

I first cooked this after experimenting with adding honey to savory dishes. Now it’s a family favorite that my kids request regularly, especially on chilly nights.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts cubed: Fresh chicken provides lean protein and soaks up the marinade nicely
• Elbow macaroni cooked al dente: This classic pasta shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce well
• Garlic minced: Adds pungent, warming flavor and aroma
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious base for the cheese sauce, making it rich and smooth
• Freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey texture
• Freshly grated cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth to the sauce
• Olive oil: Used in the marinade to help infuse the chicken with spices and garlic
• Butter: Adds richness both in the chicken sauce and the mac and cheese
• Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness balancing the savory garlic and spices
• Smoked paprika: Gives smoky warmth and color to the chicken
• Garlic powder: Enhances garlic flavor throughout
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors
• Black pepper: Provides a gentle bite to cut the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this marinade sit for 10 minutes so the flavors deeply infuse the chicken. This step is essential for tender and flavorful meat.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to brown evenly. Just before finishing, stir in honey and butter to coat the chicken in a sticky, sweet, buttery glaze. Then set the chicken aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with salt and pepper, melting until smooth and creamy.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente as per package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with warm water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.

Combine and Simmer:

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir to fully coat all the macaroni with the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve or Store:

Serve the honey garlic butter chicken atop or alongside the mac and cheese while warm. Alternatively, store everything in airtight containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.

Save

My favorite part is the honey garlic butter coating on the chicken. It creates this perfect sweet and savory glaze that makes every bite special. One evening, my kids helped me prepare this and couldn’t stop licking the sauce off their fingers which makes it a fun dish to cook with little ones.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This dish freezes well but use freezer-safe containers and reheat slowly to maintain creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

• You can swap elbow macaroni for any short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini
• Use part-skim mozzarella and sharp cheddar if you want a lighter cheese sauce
• Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat though cooking time may vary
• Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey if preferred, keeping the sweet balance intact

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal
• Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness
• Serve with garlic bread to make it a hearty, indulgent feast

Pro Tips

• Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding honey and butter this adds layers of flavor
• Do not rush cooking the garlic in the butter for the sauce garlic must turn golden but not burnt for the best taste
• Simmer the mac and cheese gently once combined to ensure a thick creamy coating without drying out

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to lock in moisture and cook it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until tender and juicy.

→ What is the best way to get creamy mac & cheese sauce?

Melt the cheeses slowly into warm heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without separation.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Yes, both components can be cooked in advance and stored in airtight containers, then reheated gently to preserve textures and flavor.

→ Is smoked paprika essential for the flavor?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the garlic and honey; it’s recommended but can be adjusted to taste.

→ How do I achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness?

The honey adds a delicate sweetness to the butter sauce balanced by garlic and spices, creating a harmonious blend with the creamy mac & cheese.

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and offers a classic texture that pairs smoothly with the chicken.