Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese Recipe

Few meals evoke the comforting embrace of home cooking quite like the combination of tender, flavorful chicken paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni. The union of these two beloved classics creates a dish that is hearty, satisfying, and deeply indulgent—perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or any time you crave a rich, soul-warming meal. In particular, Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese elevates this comforting duo with layers of vibrant flavor, balancing sweet, savory, and buttery notes that dance on the palate.

At its core, this dish is about harmony: the golden sear of succulent chicken thighs or breasts coated in a luscious honey garlic butter glaze, paired alongside a velvety, slow-cooked macaroni and cheese that melts with every bite. The garlic and butter infuse the chicken with rich aroma and depth, while the honey adds a gentle sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory elements. Meanwhile, the mac and cheese offers a creamy, cheesy counterpoint, its smooth texture and sharp cheddar tang grounding the dish in classic comfort.

But beyond its deliciousness, Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese represents the kind of meal that is both accessible and impressive—a perfect balance for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned home chef or just beginning to explore the art of cooking, this dish offers a clear roadmap to success, inviting you to master techniques like searing, deglazing, and making a roux-based cheese sauce. Each step reveals a little more about the science of flavor and texture, empowering you to customize and adapt the dish to your tastes.

This recipe also speaks to a modern appreciation for thoughtful ingredients and efficient cooking. Using everyday pantry staples like honey, garlic, butter, cheese, and pasta, it transforms simple components into an extraordinary experience. The dish is equally flexible—ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal fuss, or for gathering loved ones around the table when you want to serve something both comforting and memorable.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down every element of Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese in detail. You’ll learn how to select the best chicken cuts for tenderness and flavor, prepare the honey garlic butter sauce that makes the chicken irresistible, and craft a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese from scratch. We will explore techniques to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a golden glaze, and mac and cheese that is rich without being heavy or greasy. Along the way, we’ll offer tips on ingredient substitutions, variations for dietary preferences, side dish pairings, and storage advice for leftovers.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a celebration of comfort food done right—a dish that nurtures the soul while delighting the senses. Prepare to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aromas of honey, garlic, and butter, and to savor a meal that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Let’s begin by gathering our ingredients and preparing to cook a dish that promises to become a new favorite in your home kitchen.

Instructions: How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Part 1: Preparing the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

Ingredients for the Chicken Portion (approximate for 4 servings)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for umami depth)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (to balance sweetness)

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.

2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary).

3. Sear the chicken on one side for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

4. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temperature around 160°F or 71°C).

5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.

2. In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp butter.

3. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

4. Stir in honey, soy sauce (if using), and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

5. Allow sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

1. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet.

2. Spoon the honey garlic butter sauce over the chicken.

3. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat evenly and finish cooking (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C).

4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs.

Part 2: Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese (approximate for 4 servings)

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta shells

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk (warmed)

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-8 minutes).

3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux Method)

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (this is your roux).

3. Gradually whisk in warm milk, about ½ cup at a time, making sure to remove any lumps.

4. Continue whisking and cooking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.

2. If desired, transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.

Part 3: Plating and Serving

1. Spoon a generous portion of creamy mac and cheese onto each plate.

2. Top with a piece of honey garlic butter chicken.

3. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and pasta.

4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.

5. Serve immediately while warm.

Additional Tips for Perfection

• For extra crispy chicken skin: Use chicken thighs with skin on, and render the skin slowly at medium heat before finishing in the oven.

• Adjust sauce thickness: If your honey garlic butter sauce is too thin, simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.

• Healthier mac & cheese: Use low-fat cheese and milk, or substitute part of the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.