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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish features tender chicken cubes marinated in garlic and smoked paprika, then cooked in a sweet honey-butter glaze to create a rich, sticky coating. Alongside, elbow macaroni is enveloped in a creamy sauce made from melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses blended with garlic-infused heavy cream. The combination offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory sensations with smooth, melted cheese textures. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, providing both comfort and satisfying protein.

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Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:15:10 GMT
A plate of macaroni and chicken. Pin
A plate of macaroni and chicken. | easydiyrecipes.com

This honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese brings together succulent, flavorful chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce and creamy pasta loaded with gooey melted cheese. It is perfect for weeknight comfort or prepping ahead. In under an hour, you get a dish that tastes rich yet is balanced with lean protein and a touch of sweetness from real honey.

I first made this while testing honey in savory marinades and now my kids ask for it whenever we want something cozy and quick. It is lovely for both family dinners and meal prep afternoons.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts cubed: Fresh chicken gives lean protein and absorbs the marinade best Look for firm fresh fillets
  • Elbow macaroni cooked al dente: Classic shape that hugs the cheese sauce Choose high-quality durum wheat varieties
  • Garlic minced: Essential for deep flavor and aroma Opt for fresh bulbs over pre-minced for brightness
  • Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and silky Choose full-fat for creaminess
  • Freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection Grate cheese at home for the smoothest melt
  • Freshly grated cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness Use a bold orange or white block for best results
  • Olive oil: Helps deliver the flavors into the chicken Use extra virgin for clean taste
  • Butter: Builds richness into sauce and glaze Go for real butter not margarine
  • Honey: Adds subtle sweet balance to the savoriness Choose a mild variety for best flavor integration
  • Smoked paprika: Brings warmth and depth Use Spanish smoked paprika for authentic smokiness
  • Garlic powder: Doubles up on garlicky undertones Great for blending into marinades
  • Salt: The essential base to season and bring out every flavor Use fine sea salt for even distribution
  • Black pepper: Lends gentle bite and depth Select freshly ground for robust flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine cubed chicken with olive oil minced garlic smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper Mix thoroughly and let the mixture sit for ten minutes so the flavors can really soak in This step keeps the chicken tender and packed with flavor
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and spread out the marinated chicken Cook for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally so all sides brown evenly Once fully cooked add the honey and butter to the skillet Toss to coat every piece in the sticky sweet glaze Set the chicken aside when done
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet melt butter over medium heat Add minced garlic and cook just until golden and aromatic about one to two minutes Careful not to burn it Pour in heavy cream and gently simmer Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheese salt and black pepper Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth creamy and coats the spoon
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente following package instructions Drain and rinse lightly with warm water This stops the cooking process and removes extra starch
Combine and Simmer:
Add drained pasta into the cheese sauce in your skillet Stir until every piece is coated Let everything simmer on low for about five minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce and the mixture thickens slightly
Serve or Store:
Top or serve the cheese-smothered macaroni alongside the honey garlic butter chicken Enjoy immediately while hot For meal prep transfer to airtight containers and keep in the fridge or freezer
A plate of food with macaroni and cheese and chicken. Pin
A plate of food with macaroni and cheese and chicken. | easydiyrecipes.com

My absolute favorite part of making this is glazing the chicken with honey butter It forms this glossy sweet glaze that my kids always sneak tastes of while we assemble plates Cooking it together turns dinner into a family event especially when everyone wants to taste test that luscious sauce

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in sealed containers in the fridge for up to three days Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce If freezing be sure to use sturdy freezer-safe containers and warm up slowly for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Any short pasta like penne or rotini can stand in for elbow macaroni Use partskim mozzarella and sharp cheddar if you want a lighter option Chicken thighs are a juicy swap for breasts Just remember to adjust cooking time Maple syrup or agave can take the place of honey if needed while preserving the dish’s delicate sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a crisp green salad or steamed greens like broccoli for freshness Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top to brighten the plate Garlic bread makes this an irresistible hearty feast

A plate of food with macaroni and cheese and meat. Pin
A plate of food with macaroni and cheese and meat. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Mac and cheese is a wellloved comfort food in many American homes The honey garlic marinade draws from classic sweet savory combinations found in Asianinspired dishes Bringing these elements together delivers a meal that bridges familiar comfort with new touches of flavor harmony

Recipe FAQs

→ How to keep the chicken tender and juicy?

Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes with garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil to lock in moisture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned and fully cooked through.

→ What’s the best method for creamy mac and cheese sauce?

Melt mozzarella and cheddar slowly into warm heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly. This prevents separation and results in a smooth, velvety sauce.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, both the glazed chicken and cheese sauce pasta can be cooked in advance, stored in airtight containers, and gently reheated to maintain texture and flavor.

→ Is smoked paprika necessary for the chicken?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the honey garlic glaze, but it can be adjusted or omitted to taste.

→ How to balance sweetness and savory flavors?

The honey provides a delicate sweetness that harmonizes with the garlic and spices, while the creamy cheese sauce adds savory richness for a balanced finish.

→ Which pasta works best with this dish?

Elbow macaroni is ideal as its shape holds the creamy cheese sauce well, creating a perfect texture contrast with the glazed chicken.

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

Tender chicken with honey garlic butter glaze served alongside rich, cheesy mac and cheese for a cozy meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 450 g cubed chicken breasts
02 15 ml olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 5 ml smoked paprika
05 2.5 ml garlic powder
06 2.5 ml salt
07 2.5 ml black pepper

→ Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

08 30 g unsalted butter
09 30 ml honey

→ Macaroni and Cheese

10 200 g elbow macaroni
11 30 g unsalted butter
12 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 240 ml heavy cream
14 100 g freshly grated mozzarella cheese
15 100 g freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
16 2.5 ml salt
17 1.25 ml black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Combine cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to deeply infuse flavors.

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked, stirring occasionally for even browning. Just before finishing, stir in honey and butter to create a sticky, sweet, and buttery glaze. Set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, avoiding burning. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with salt and pepper until melted and smooth.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 06

Serve the honey garlic butter chicken on or alongside the mac and cheese while warm. Alternatively, store in airtight containers for meal prep and reheat gently.

Notes

  1. Marinating the chicken locks in moisture for tender, juicy meat. Simmer the mac and cheese gently to maintain a creamy texture without drying.
  2. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze in airtight containers. Reheat slowly to preserve creaminess.

Tools Required

  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Colander

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 670
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 42 g