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Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Savory Delight

by on October 5, 2025

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Are you ready for a dish that combines sweet and savory in one mouthful? Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food that brings joy to your table. This recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor. I’ll share simple steps, tips, and even variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into creating this unforgettable delight that your family will love!

- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 cups whole milk - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The elbow macaroni gives a great base. Chicken breast adds protein and flavor. Using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan brings different textures and tastes. Honey and soy sauce create a sweet and savory mix. Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Olive oil helps cook the chicken nicely. The spices like paprika, black pepper, and salt enhance the taste. Whole milk and flour come together to make a creamy cheese sauce. Finally, parsley adds a fresh touch to the dish. You can adjust any ingredient to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible and fun to make! - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. - Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. - Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink. - Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Pour in 3 tablespoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken. - Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. - In a separate saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat. - Stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. - Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth. - Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. - Add the honey garlic chicken and sauce, mixing until everything is coated. - Spoon the Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls. - Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. To avoid mushy macaroni, follow these steps. Use a big pot with lots of water. Add salt to the boiling water. This helps the pasta stay firm. Cook the macaroni for 7-9 minutes. Check for al dente by tasting a piece. It should be soft but still have a slight bite. You can boost the flavor of your dish with a few spices. Try adding some garlic powder or red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These add extra freshness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste before serving. Choosing different cheese can change the taste. You can use gouda or pepper jack for a twist. For a vegan option, try cashew cheese or almond cheese. These melt well and taste great. Mix and match to find your favorite cheese combo. {{image_4}} You can make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese a bit lighter. Try these ideas: - Using whole grain pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. It makes this dish healthier. - Lean protein options: Swap chicken for turkey or tofu. These choices lower calories but keep protein high. You can enjoy this dish without meat or dairy. Here are some tasty swaps: - Meat substitutes: Use chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh instead of chicken. They add protein and texture. - Dairy-free cheese recommendations: Look for vegan cheese brands. They melt well and taste great in this dish. Boost your mac and cheese with veggies. They add flavor and nutrition: - Incorporation of greens or veggies: Try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. They blend well and add color. - Flavor pairing ideas: Pair veggies with garlic or onion for more taste. This makes each bite exciting and fresh. To store your Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold, it’s best to toss it. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. This meal freezes well for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. For easy meals, prep your ingredients ahead of time. You can cook the macaroni and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, combine them with the cheese sauce and honey garlic mixture. Reheat everything on the stove or in the microwave, and enjoy a quick, tasty meal! Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. For the cheese sauce, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the creamy texture without gluten. If you need a substitute for honey, consider maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well for sweetness. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar. Just mix it with a little water to get a similar consistency. To adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients up or down. If you want to make more, double the amounts. For fewer servings, cut the recipe in half. Keep the cooking times similar, but check for doneness as needed. This blog post covered a tasty and easy recipe for macaroni with chicken and a honey garlic sauce. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips on cooking macaroni, enhancing flavors, and customizing cheese. Explore variations for health, vegetarian needs, and extra veggies. Don’t forget proper storage tips for leftovers! Now, you’re ready to cook a delicious meal your friends and family will love. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups elbow macaroni

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 2 cups whole milk

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The elbow macaroni gives a great base. Chicken breast adds protein and flavor. Using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan brings different textures and tastes. Honey and soy sauce create a sweet and savory mix. Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Olive oil helps cook the chicken nicely.

The spices like paprika, black pepper, and salt enhance the taste. Whole milk and flour come together to make a creamy cheese sauce. Finally, parsley adds a fresh touch to the dish. You can adjust any ingredient to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible and fun to make!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Macaroni

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

– Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Sautéing the Chicken

– Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat.

– Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

– Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink.

Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce

– Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet.

– Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

– Pour in 3 tablespoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken.

– Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.

Making the Cheese Sauce

– In a separate saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat.

– Stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

– Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Combining Ingredients

– Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

– Add the honey garlic chicken and sauce, mixing until everything is coated.

Serving the Dish

– Spoon the Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls.

– Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfectly Cook Macaroni

To avoid mushy macaroni, follow these steps. Use a big pot with lots of water. Add salt to the boiling water. This helps the pasta stay firm. Cook the macaroni for 7-9 minutes. Check for al dente by tasting a piece. It should be soft but still have a slight bite.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

You can boost the flavor of your dish with a few spices. Try adding some garlic powder or red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These add extra freshness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste before serving.

Cheese Customization

Choosing different cheese can change the taste. You can use gouda or pepper jack for a twist. For a vegan option, try cashew cheese or almond cheese. These melt well and taste great. Mix and match to find your favorite cheese combo.

Variations

Healthier Alternatives

You can make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese a bit lighter. Try these ideas:

– Using whole grain pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. It makes this dish healthier.

– Lean protein options: Swap chicken for turkey or tofu. These choices lower calories but keep protein high.

Vegetarian and Vegan Versions

You can enjoy this dish without meat or dairy. Here are some tasty swaps:

– Meat substitutes: Use chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh instead of chicken. They add protein and texture.

– Dairy-free cheese recommendations: Look for vegan cheese brands. They melt well and taste great in this dish.

Adding Extra Vegetables

Boost your mac and cheese with veggies. They add flavor and nutrition:

– Incorporation of greens or veggies: Try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. They blend well and add color.

– Flavor pairing ideas: Pair veggies with garlic or onion for more taste. This makes each bite exciting and fresh.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store your Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold, it’s best to toss it.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. This meal freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Meal Prep Suggestions

For easy meals, prep your ingredients ahead of time. You can cook the macaroni and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, combine them with the cheese sauce and honey garlic mixture. Reheat everything on the stove or in the microwave, and enjoy a quick, tasty meal!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. For the cheese sauce, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the creamy texture without gluten.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you need a substitute for honey, consider maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well for sweetness. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar. Just mix it with a little water to get a similar consistency.

How do I adjust serving sizes?

To adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients up or down. If you want to make more, double the amounts. For fewer servings, cut the recipe in half. Keep the cooking times similar, but check for doneness as needed.

This blog post covered a tasty and easy recipe for macaroni with chicken and a honey garlic sauce. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips on cooking macaroni, enhancing flavors, and customizing cheese. Explore variations for health, vegetarian needs, and extra veggies. Don’t forget proper storage tips for leftovers!

Now, you’re ready to cook a delicious meal your friends and family will love. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 cups whole milk - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The elbow macaroni gives a great base. Chicken breast adds protein and flavor. Using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan brings different textures and tastes. Honey and soy sauce create a sweet and savory mix. Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Olive oil helps cook the chicken nicely. The spices like paprika, black pepper, and salt enhance the taste. Whole milk and flour come together to make a creamy cheese sauce. Finally, parsley adds a fresh touch to the dish. You can adjust any ingredient to suit your taste. This recipe is flexible and fun to make! - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. - Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. - Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. - Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink. - Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Pour in 3 tablespoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken. - Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. - In a separate saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat. - Stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. - Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth. - Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. - Add the honey garlic chicken and sauce, mixing until everything is coated. - Spoon the Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls. - Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. To avoid mushy macaroni, follow these steps. Use a big pot with lots of water. Add salt to the boiling water. This helps the pasta stay firm. Cook the macaroni for 7-9 minutes. Check for al dente by tasting a piece. It should be soft but still have a slight bite. You can boost the flavor of your dish with a few spices. Try adding some garlic powder or red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These add extra freshness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste before serving. Choosing different cheese can change the taste. You can use gouda or pepper jack for a twist. For a vegan option, try cashew cheese or almond cheese. These melt well and taste great. Mix and match to find your favorite cheese combo. {{image_4}} You can make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese a bit lighter. Try these ideas: - Using whole grain pasta: Whole grain pasta adds fiber. It makes this dish healthier. - Lean protein options: Swap chicken for turkey or tofu. These choices lower calories but keep protein high. You can enjoy this dish without meat or dairy. Here are some tasty swaps: - Meat substitutes: Use chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh instead of chicken. They add protein and texture. - Dairy-free cheese recommendations: Look for vegan cheese brands. They melt well and taste great in this dish. Boost your mac and cheese with veggies. They add flavor and nutrition: - Incorporation of greens or veggies: Try spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. They blend well and add color. - Flavor pairing ideas: Pair veggies with garlic or onion for more taste. This makes each bite exciting and fresh. To store your Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold, it’s best to toss it. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. This meal freezes well for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. For easy meals, prep your ingredients ahead of time. You can cook the macaroni and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, combine them with the cheese sauce and honey garlic mixture. Reheat everything on the stove or in the microwave, and enjoy a quick, tasty meal! Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta. For the cheese sauce, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the creamy texture without gluten. If you need a substitute for honey, consider maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well for sweetness. You can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar. Just mix it with a little water to get a similar consistency. To adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients up or down. If you want to make more, double the amounts. For fewer servings, cut the recipe in half. Keep the cooking times similar, but check for doneness as needed. This blog post covered a tasty and easy recipe for macaroni with chicken and a honey garlic sauce. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips on cooking macaroni, enhancing flavors, and customizing cheese. Explore variations for health, vegetarian needs, and extra veggies. Don’t forget proper storage tips for leftovers! Now, you’re ready to cook a delicious meal your friends and family will love. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in a delicious twist on comfort food with this Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese! This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken and a sweet-savory sauce for a meal everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Don't miss out—click through for the full recipe and impress your family tonight! #HoneyGarlicChicken #MacAndCheese #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook as per the package instructions, usually until al dente—about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the other components.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir occasionally and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned and fully cooked through, no longer pink in the center.

      Create the Honey Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, mixing well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which helps to thicken the sauce slightly.

        Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until there are no lumps. Continuously stir the mixture until it begins to thicken, which should take about 5 minutes. Once it reaches the desired consistency, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continually until all the cheeses have melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.

          Combine the Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Next, add the honey garlic chicken and sauce to the pasta mixture, stirring carefully until everything is evenly combined and coated in the luscious sauce.

            Serve: Spoon generous portions of the Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese into serving bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

              - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                Enjoy your mouthwatering twist on classic macaroni and cheese!

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