Description
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs smothered in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, paired with rich, cheesy macaroni and cheese. This comforting recipe combines sweet honey, fragrant garlic, and silky butter with sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a hearty, family-friendly meal that can be prepared in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne powder (for spice)
- Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach (for veggie boost)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic and honey. Stir constantly and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until glossy and fragrant, allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Macaroni: While cooking the chicken and sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour (or cornstarch) to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta in a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the honey garlic butter sauce, spooning sauce over each piece. Serve the chicken alongside or on top of a generous portion of mac and cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Opt for chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used with careful cooking to avoid dryness.
- Do not skip making the roux to ensure a smooth and thick cheese sauce.
- Use fresh minced garlic instead of powdered for best aroma and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey to control the sauce’s sweetness according to your preference.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Chicken Dinner, Creamy Cheese Sauce, Easy Recipes, Family Meal
