If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the irresistible flavors of honey and garlic, you have to try this Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that wraps tender chicken in a sweet-savory glaze and nests it all atop a luscious bed of macaroni swimming in rich, melty cheese sauce. From the first forkful, you’ll be hooked on the harmony of smoky cheddar, mellow Monterey Jack, and sharp Parmesan, all brought to life by a hint of nutmeg and a touch of pepper. Trust me, this recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy dinners and special family gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is carefully chosen to bring the perfect balance of textures and flavors. From creamy cheeses to savory chicken and the sweet zing of honey garlic sauce, these ingredients come together simply yet brilliantly to create a dish with heart and soul.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape holds the cheese sauce beautifully, creating comforting bites every time.
- Butter: Essential for making the roux that thickens the cheese sauce into silky perfection.
- All-purpose flour: Works with butter to give your sauce that perfectly creamy texture.
- Milk: The creamy base that transforms your sauce from runny to luscious, rich in every way.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the honey in the sauce.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick that wakes up the dish without overpowering it.
- Nutmeg: Adds a warm, cozy note that makes the cheese sauce extra special.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides that gooey, tangy cheese punch everyone loves in mac and cheese.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and mild, it helps the sauce melt beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty edge for complexity and depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed and cooked to tender perfection, these stars soak up the honey garlic sauce deliciously.
- Honey: The sweet hero of the glaze, balancing the savory and adding a luscious shine.
- Soy sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness that pairs fantastically with honey and garlic.
- Rice vinegar: A touch of acidity that brightens the sauce and lifts all the other flavors.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh, fragrant garlic provides that punch that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the honey garlic sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
- Water: Mixed with cornstarch for the slurry that gives the sauce a glossy finish.
- Vegetable oil: For browning the chicken to golden, flavorful perfection.
- Chopped green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, sharp contrast as a final garnish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until it’s just al dente—this is key because it will cook a bit more in the oven. Once cooked, drain and set it aside to wait for the cheesy magic.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt half a cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux; this will be the foundation of your cheese sauce. Slowly add in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Then take it off the heat and stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Finally, add in your shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is silky and the cheese is completely melted.
Step 3: Combine Macaroni with Cheese Sauce
Gently fold in your cooked macaroni into the cheesy sauce, making sure every nook and cranny is coated in that luscious cheese. This step transforms simple pasta into the heart of the dish, filling each bite with creamy comfort.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce and Chicken
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic in a bowl to mix the flavors for your sauce. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth—this will thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the cubed chicken pieces. Cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Pour in the honey garlic mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Dish
Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully top it with the honey garlic chicken. Place this in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing it to bubble up and brown lightly on top, creating a golden inviting crust. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking—this helps everything set and flavors deepen.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a final fresh touch, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. They add a pop of vibrant color and a mild oniony crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the mac and cheese and the sweetness of the chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables to brighten the meal and add some freshness. Roasted broccoli or garlic green beans are also fantastic sides that complement the flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming dinner party presentation. Alternatively, top the dish with crispy breadcrumbs or even some crumbled bacon before baking for an extra layer of texture and savory indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious dish longer, it freezes well. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore the cheese sauce’s creamy consistency. Cover with foil when baking to prevent drying out, and heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce nicely, you can substitute with shells, penne, or cavatappi. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it stays firm during baking.
Is it possible to use dark meat chicken instead of breasts?
Yes, dark meat like thighs will add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust cooking time if needed.
Can I make the Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
How spicy is the honey garlic sauce?
This particular recipe does not include spicy ingredients, so it leans sweet and savory rather than hot. You can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little kick.
What cheese combinations work best in this recipe?
The trio of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan is ideal for flavor and meltability. However, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella to suit your taste!
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, sweet, and savory all at once, perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress without fuss. I truly hope you give it a try—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and seconds guaranteed.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful comfort food recipe combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender chicken morsels glazed in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. This baked casserole offers a perfect blend of savory and sweet, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Honey Garlic Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni following the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste, which is your roux base.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, making sure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and all the cheeses — cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan — until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until well combined.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic to create the sauce for the chicken.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, whisking until smooth to help thicken the sauce later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Honey Garlic Sauce to Chicken: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the cooked chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add Chicken on Top: Layer the honey garlic chicken over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top if desired for a fresh, mild onion flavor and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to brown the top further.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier meat option.
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for a creamier cheese sauce.
- Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Adjust honey amount for a sweeter or milder sauce according to preference.
