Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese Recipe: High Protein Comfort Food
Introduction
Did you know that the smell of melting butter and garlic is scientifically proven to increase happiness? Okay, maybe not scientifically proven, but if you ask Emily, Adams, or Jana, they’ll confirm it’s true. It brings us right back to the dinner table, no matter how busy our day has been. I often find myself thinking about how to combine classic comfort food with the flavors that really make a dish sing. Growing up, Mac and Cheese was a staple. But here at MisterRecipes, we believe comfort food should also work for you, not against you. That’s why I worked on perfecting this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese. This recipe takes that creamy, dreamy Mac and Cheese base and layers it with succulent, beautifully glazed honey garlic chicken. It’s the ultimate mash-up, delivering maximum flavor and hitting those incredible satisfaction points that only a bowl of perfect mac and cheese can. This isn’t just a regular comfort meal, we’re aiming for a high protein honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese experience, making it perfect for satisfying big appetites like Adams’ after hockey practice.
Jana, my nine-year-old, is usually suspicious of anything sweet on chicken, but the balance of rich butter, savory garlic, and touch of sweet honey in our exceptional glaze completely won her over. The result? A stunningly savory, slightly sweet, impossibly creamy dish that feels gourmet but is achievable on any busy weeknight. It’s the perfect answer to ‘What’s for dinner?’ when you need something everyone will devour. This recipe is also fantastic for those aiming for a high protein mac and cheese without sacrificing flavor. Grab your apron, family, because we are making memories tonight!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
- Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
- How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese Serving Suggestions
- Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
When I think about favorite meals, it’s not always the fancy restaurant dishes that come to mind. It’s the meals around the family table, often messy, always full of laughter, and deeply satisfying. This recipe for honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese encapsulates everything I try to deliver here at MisterRecipes: simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying comfort food that connects us. This dish is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners and I promise, it will earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
- It’s a High-Protein Powerhouse: We use lean, tender chicken breast and optionally, protein-enriched pasta or even cottage cheese in the sauce (a secret weapon for making low fat cottage cheese mac creamy without heavy fat). This makes it a balanced meal, especially when you are looking for dishes like high protein honey garlic butter chicken options to fuel your family.
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The sweet and sticky honey garlic glaze chicken tenders are savory perfection, perfectly complementing the sharp cheddar and creamy sauce of the macaroni. It’s the perfect marriage of two classics. The buttery sauce provides that richness that makes everything feel indulgent.
- Effortlessly Easy Weeknight Meal: While the flavor is complex, the process is straightforward. We cook the chicken and the pasta simultaneously, cutting down the overall cooking time. If you’re familiar with making a roux for a classic béchamel, you’re already halfway there. This is easily an easy honey garlic chicken mac n cheese that’s on the table in under an hour.
- Kid Tested, Mother Approved: My kids, Adams and Jana, request this regularly. Adams loves the rich, savory chicken, and Jana can’t get enough of the creamy cheese sauce. Even Emily agrees it’s a brilliant twist on a classic. It’s truly versatile and naturally appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is robust enough to handle meal prepping. If you are searching for a complete and satisfying solution, this healthy honey garlic chicken mac and cheese meal prep option holds up well in the fridge. Simply store the mac and cheese and the glazed chicken separately if you want to keep the chicken texture perfect.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of creamy mac and cheese chicken. It’s pure indulgence, warmed up with the delightful sweetness of the honey and aromatic spices. This is the definition of dinner bliss on a chilly evening.
If you love creamy chicken recipes, you should also check out our creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta or perhaps our garlic butter chicken bites, but nothing offers the hearty, cheesy goodness quite like this butter chicken mac cheese hybrid. It’s the best of both worlds, truly.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
We need two primary components: the irresistible glazed chicken and the decadent cheese sauce. Here’s what you need to gather. Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference, especially when you’re dealing with simple, bold flavors like garlic and honey.
For the Honey Garlic Chicken
- 2 large chicken breast (or substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness), cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for coating)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp paprika or cayenne (optional, for a little kick)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
For the Mac and Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or use protein pasta for the high-protein version)
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (can use half heavy cream and half milk for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Gruyère (for better melt)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
The beauty of this recipe is that we manage two delicious culinary feats simultaneously, resulting in a cohesive, incredible dish. We start with the chicken, build the gooey cheese sauce, and finally, combine the elements to create dinner table magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; the starch helps the cheese sauce adhere beautifully. While it cooks, you can move on to the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until it’s perfectly golden brown on about all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat and flavorful browned bits in the pan.
- Build the Honey Garlic Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the honey and soy sauce, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes until it becomes beautifully thick and glossy, this is your signature honey garlic glaze.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece of chicken thoroughly in the sticky, sweet, and savory glare. Turn off the heat and keep the coated chicken warm while you make the mac and cheese sauce.
- Start the Béchamel (Roux): In a separate medium saucepan (or wipe out the chicken skillet if you only have one), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a smooth paste, or roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the flour taste.
- Make the Sauce Creamy: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer gently. This should take about 5 minutes. If you want an extra rich texture, consider using half heavy cream in place of some milk.
- Melt in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, and parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth, velvety, and irresistibly gooey.
- Season the Cheese Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, dried thyme (if using), and season generously with salt and pepper. Remember, the sauce needs to be seasoned perfectly since the pasta itself wasn’t salted outside the boiling process.
- Combine the Mac and Cheese: Pour the cooked, drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir to coat every piece evenly.
- Final Assembly: Gently fold in the glazed honey garlic butter chicken pieces into the creamy mac and cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. The incredible aromas of the garlic butter chicken and the cheesy pasta will instantly bring the family running! This dish is perfect for any occasion.
Pro Tips & Variations
To truly master this dish and make it a staple in your kitchen, here are some pro tips I’ve learned through countless batches made for Emily and the kids, plus some variations to make it suit any dietary need or craving. Remember, cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about making people happy, so tailor it to your audience!
Benjamin’s Top Tips for Perfect Texture
- Cheese Choice Matters: Don’t rely solely on pre-shredded cheese. It often contains anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy. Shred your own sharp cheddar cheese. For incredible smoothness, add a splash of evaporated milk or a small teaspoon of sodium citrate (for the real chemistry nerds) to prevent splitting.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save half a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. If your mac and cheese sauce thickens too much, especially after adding the chicken, slowly whisk in some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
- Perfecting the Glaze: For the most beautiful, sticky honey garlic glaze, make sure to let it simmer for a full 1-2 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this step. It concentrates the flavor for that classic, take-out style sweetness.
- High-Heat Sear: Sear your chicken breast quickly over higher heat. This gives the chicken a nice crust and ensures it stays juicy inside before you coat it in the sticky glaze.
Dietary and Flavor Variations
I know many families today are navigating different dietary needs, so here’s how you can adapt this delicious recipe:
- High Protein Mac and Cheese Boost: To maximize the protein punch, swap standard elbow macaroni for protein pasta made from lentils or chickpeas, which works wonderfully. As mentioned earlier, try incorporating half a cup of creamed or blended low fat cottage cheese mac into your sauce base instead of using a full roux and high-fat cream. You won’t taste the cottage cheese, but you’ll get a huge protein boost, perfect for healthy honey garlic chicken mac and cheese meal prep.
- Gluten-Free Version: Simple, use gluten free honey garlic butter chicken options by substituting the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend in both the chicken coating (if using) and the béchamel base. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Spicy Mac: For those who like heat, like Emily and I, add a pinch of chili flakes to the oil when you are frying the chicken, or add a dash of Sriracha straight into the honey garlic glaze for a sweet-heat contrast.
- Baked Option: Want a baked, crunchy topping? After combining the mac and cheese with the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Vegetable Integration: Stir in a handful of frozen peas or steamed broccoli florets during the final mac and cheese mix. It adds color, vitamins, and structure, and is a great way to sneak in extra greens for Jana.
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly rich and definitely the star of the show. Since the honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese is so hearty and balanced with protein and carbs, you really only need a simple, refreshing side to cut through the richness of the cheese. Think light, tart, and crunchy. That balance is key to making a truly satisfying meal.
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple, vibrant salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette (think lemon and olive oil) is the perfect counterpoint. The acidity wakes up your palate and balances the heavy cheese sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Keep it fresh, simple, and slightly crisp. I often just steam some green beans and toss them with a little lemon zest and sea salt. This is one of the easiest ways to round out this honey garlic chicken and green beans pairing in a new format.
- Broccoli Slaw: A creamy slaw or a crisp broccoli slaw tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing offers great texture contrast to the creamy pasta and tender chicken.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: If you are serving this in the fall or winter, some lightly seasoned, roasted carrots or sweet potatoes offer an earthy sweetness that complements the honey garlic chicken perfectly.
For more inspiration on pairing, consider how you might serve our hearty one-pot chicken alfredo, seeking balance and freshness against richness.
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about making a big batch of honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese is enjoying the leftovers. But let’s be honest, mac and cheese can dry out. Here are my best tips for restoring its creamy glory.
Storage
Cool the dish completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. If you’re making this for healthy honey garlic chicken mac and cheese meal prep, I highly recommend storing individual servings in glass containers. For longer storage, you can freeze mac and cheese, but expect the texture to change slightly; the sauce might separate upon reheating. If freezing, use a very creamy, milk-based sauce (not fat-free) and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
- Stovetop (Best Method): This is the secret to retaining creaminess. Place your desired portion of leftover mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash or two of milk (or heavy cream for pure luxury), about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of mac and cheese. Stir gently and continuously until the cheese and milk recombine into a wonderfully creamy sauce.
- Microwave (Quick Method): Place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of milk or water over the top, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. The added moisture prevents the sauce from becoming rubbery.
FAQ about Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
Is this an easy honey garlic chicken mac n cheese recipe for a beginner?
Absolutely! This is designed to be an easy honey garlic chicken mac n cheese recipe. The two main components, the glaze and the cheese sauce, are both straightforward. If you can boil water and follow basic instructions for melting butter and adding flour, you can master this dish. The detailed step-by-step instructions ensure even beginners achieve perfect results. A little concentration in the roux stage is the only requirement, and it’s totally achievable.
How can I make the cheese sauce extra creamy and avoid graininess?
The key to a super smooth texture in your creamy mac and cheese chicken is fresh, block cheese shredded immediately before use, using whole milk, and heating slowly. Make sure the cheese is added off the heat or over very low heat. Velveeta or cream cheese can ensure an ultra-smooth consistency, but for premium flavor, stick to sharp cheddar and a good melting cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, always stirring until fully dissolved before adding more heat. Remember, incorporating cottage cheese, as is suggested for the protein pasta honey garlic chicken variation, actually helps stabilize the sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, swapping chicken breast for chicken thighs is an excellent idea if you prefer richer flavor and moister meat. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and hold up beautifully to the pan-searing and the sticky honey garlic glaze. If using thighs, expect the cooking time to be similar, possibly slightly longer depending on the size, but the flavor will be intensified, making for a richer high protein honey garlic butter chicken experience.
Is this high protein honey garlic butter chicken suitable for meal prep?
It is perfectly suitable for meal prep, especially when aiming for a high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese recipe for healthy lunches. The separate components, the chicken and the pasta, hold up well. Portion into containers. When reheating for a healthy honey garlic chicken mac and cheese meal prep, follow the stovetop instructions above to bring back that delightful creaminess.
For additional reading on balancing flavor and health, you might find this article on developing high-protein comfort foods helpful from a peer site: High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe.
What are the differences between a savory dish like this and a traditional Texas BBQ chicken?
Ha! That’s an easy one. While my Grandmother’s Texas BBQ always had a sweet and tangy element to the smoky rub, this honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese leans heavily into rich, umami, and creamy flavors rather than smoke and vinegar. The honey glaze is reminiscent of some regional BBQ sauces, but the foundation of garlic and butter makes this dish distinctly Asian-fusion comfort food, not traditional Southern cuisine. Still, both are dishes built on love and connection, which is what matters most!
Final Thoughts
Every time I plate this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese, I’m reminded that the simplest concepts, executed with care and great ingredients, make the best memories. Watching the kids dig in, covered chin to ear in that rich, creamy cheese sauce, while Emily smiles across the table, is my favorite part of the day. Cooking isn’t just a chore, it’s a ritual, a connection, a way to say ‘I love you’ in the most delicious way possible. This dish does all of that, and then some. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it is satisfying in every sense.
I genuinely hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. If you try it, please let me know what you thought! Save this recipe to your favorites, share it with a friend who needs some ultimate comfort food, or better yet, pin it for later! Until next time, happy cooking, and keep making those kitchen memories.
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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse to keep starch for sauce adherence).
- Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving fat in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey and soy sauce, stirring constantly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened into a glossy glaze.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the glaze. Turn off heat and keep warm.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps. Stir until thickened and simmering, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, dried thyme (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in the glazed chicken. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
