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So Yum Recipes

Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup milk To make this dish, start with elbow macaroni. This pasta holds cheese well. Next, we need chicken breast. Diced chicken cooks quickly and adds protein. Honey and soy sauce form a sweet and salty sauce for flavor. Cheddar cheese gives that classic mac and cheese taste. Cream cheese makes it extra creamy. Milk helps the cheese melt smoothly. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garlic powder enhances the chicken's flavor. Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it pretty. - Additional cheese for topping - Other protein substitutions For a cheesier bite, add more cheese on top. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. These options keep the meal tasty and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil the elbow macaroni. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni. Cook it based on the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm, but not hard. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, we need to prepare the chicken. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked through. This ensures a juicy and tasty chicken. Now, let’s make the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together half a cup of honey, a quarter cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and two cloves of minced garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, pour this sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken up nicely. Now, it’s time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked macaroni, the chicken with sauce, two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, half a cup of cream cheese, half a cup of milk, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed. Make sure the pasta and chicken get evenly coated with cheese and sauce. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If you like, you can top it with some extra cheese. Bake it for 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps avoid burns. Before serving, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your savory honey garlic chicken mac and cheese! To get the right flavor, you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness. If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a bit more soy sauce. For extra sweetness, add more honey. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps it stick to the chicken and pasta better. To cook pasta just right, look for al dente texture. This means it should be firm but not hard. Stir the pasta while it cooks to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain it well and avoid rinsing. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce stick. For a creamy mac and cheese, use a blend of cheeses. Cheddar is great, but mix it with cream cheese for richness. When melting cheese, stir it in slowly over low heat. This keeps the cheese smooth and prevents clumping. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts better than pre-shredded. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni al dente. This will help it maintain its texture when mixed with the cheese sauce and baked. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, consider marinating the diced chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile in your mac and cheese. Garnish for Presentation: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it until it turns pink. Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Press it to remove water, then cube and sauté. Add some color and nutrition by including veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Spinach wilts nicely and blends well with the cheese. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. You can also explore different spices for extra flavor. Try adding chili powder or cumin. Mixing cheeses can take your mac and cheese to the next level. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamy texture. You can even incorporate flavored cheeses, like smoked gouda or pepper jack, to add depth. Experimenting with cheeses makes each batch unique and exciting! To store leftovers, place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It’s best to do this when it has cooled down. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freshness, cover the dish tightly. You can also use plastic wrap or foil to seal it. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before you freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. Stir halfway through for even heating. For microwave reheating, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat for 1-2 minutes on high, stirring halfway. Check to see if it’s hot enough before serving. You can serve this dish with a simple salad. A side of steamed broccoli works well too. Garlic bread adds a nice touch. For a refreshing drink, try iced tea or lemonade. Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the mac and cheese, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven before serving. It stays tasty for about three days. To spice up the sauce, add red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the best flavor. Absolutely! Kids love the creamy cheese and sweet honey flavor. The chicken adds protein, making it a balanced meal. You can even let kids help with the cooking for more fun. Yes, you can use regular soy sauce. It will make the dish saltier, so watch the salt you add. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free option. This blog post covered how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure success. Tips on cooking and storage can help keep your dish fresh. Explore variations to make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to add different flavors and proteins. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty meal that everyone loves!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Ready to excite your taste buds? This Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and sweet honey garlic sauce. It’s a dish that will warm your heart and impress your family. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a comforting meal in no time. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comfort Food Classic: This dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory flavor of honey garlic chicken, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
  2. Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  3. Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory combination of flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
  4. Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese, allowing for endless variations!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 8 oz elbow macaroni

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

– 1/2 cup milk

To make this dish, start with elbow macaroni. This pasta holds cheese well. Next, we need chicken breast. Diced chicken cooks quickly and adds protein. Honey and soy sauce form a sweet and salty sauce for flavor. Cheddar cheese gives that classic mac and cheese taste. Cream cheese makes it extra creamy. Milk helps the cheese melt smoothly.

Seasonings and Garnishes

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Garlic powder enhances the chicken’s flavor. Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it pretty.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

– Additional cheese for topping

– Other protein substitutions

For a cheesier bite, add more cheese on top. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. These options keep the meal tasty and fun.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, boil the elbow macaroni. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni. Cook it based on the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm, but not hard. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Preparing the Chicken

Next, we need to prepare the chicken. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked through. This ensures a juicy and tasty chicken.

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s make the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together half a cup of honey, a quarter cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and two cloves of minced garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, pour this sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken up nicely.

Combining the Dish

Now, it’s time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked macaroni, the chicken with sauce, two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, half a cup of cream cheese, half a cup of milk, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed. Make sure the pasta and chicken get evenly coated with cheese and sauce.

Baking the Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If you like, you can top it with some extra cheese. Bake it for 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving the Dish

After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps avoid burns. Before serving, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your savory honey garlic chicken mac and cheese!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sauce

To get the right flavor, you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness. If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a bit more soy sauce. For extra sweetness, add more honey. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps it stick to the chicken and pasta better.

Cooking Pasta to Perfection

To cook pasta just right, look for al dente texture. This means it should be firm but not hard. Stir the pasta while it cooks to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain it well and avoid rinsing. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce stick.

Cheese Melting Techniques

For a creamy mac and cheese, use a blend of cheeses. Cheddar is great, but mix it with cream cheese for richness. When melting cheese, stir it in slowly over low heat. This keeps the cheese smooth and prevents clumping. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts better than pre-shredded.

Pro Tips

  1. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni al dente. This will help it maintain its texture when mixed with the cheese sauce and baked.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, consider marinating the diced chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste.
  3. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile in your mac and cheese.
  4. Garnish for Presentation: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can change up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu.

Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it until it turns pink.

Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Press it to remove water, then cube and sauté.

Flavor Variations

Add some color and nutrition by including veggies like spinach or bell peppers.

Spinach wilts nicely and blends well with the cheese. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch.

You can also explore different spices for extra flavor. Try adding chili powder or cumin.

Different Cheese Combinations

Mixing cheeses can take your mac and cheese to the next level. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamy texture.

You can even incorporate flavored cheeses, like smoked gouda or pepper jack, to add depth.

Experimenting with cheeses makes each batch unique and exciting!

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

To store leftovers, place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It’s best to do this when it has cooled down. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freshness, cover the dish tightly. You can also use plastic wrap or foil to seal it.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before you freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. Stir halfway through for even heating.

For microwave reheating, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat for 1-2 minutes on high, stirring halfway. Check to see if it’s hot enough before serving.

FAQs

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese?

You can serve this dish with a simple salad. A side of steamed broccoli works well too. Garlic bread adds a nice touch. For a refreshing drink, try iced tea or lemonade.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the mac and cheese, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven before serving. It stays tasty for about three days.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

To spice up the sauce, add red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the best flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the creamy cheese and sweet honey flavor. The chicken adds protein, making it a balanced meal. You can even let kids help with the cooking for more fun.

Can I substitute low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce. It will make the dish saltier, so watch the salt you add. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free option.

This blog post covered how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure success. Tips on cooking and storage can help keep your dish fresh.

Explore variations to make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to add different flavors and proteins. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty meal that everyone love

- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup milk To make this dish, start with elbow macaroni. This pasta holds cheese well. Next, we need chicken breast. Diced chicken cooks quickly and adds protein. Honey and soy sauce form a sweet and salty sauce for flavor. Cheddar cheese gives that classic mac and cheese taste. Cream cheese makes it extra creamy. Milk helps the cheese melt smoothly. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garlic powder enhances the chicken's flavor. Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it pretty. - Additional cheese for topping - Other protein substitutions For a cheesier bite, add more cheese on top. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. These options keep the meal tasty and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil the elbow macaroni. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni. Cook it based on the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm, but not hard. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, we need to prepare the chicken. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked through. This ensures a juicy and tasty chicken. Now, let’s make the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together half a cup of honey, a quarter cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and two cloves of minced garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, pour this sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken up nicely. Now, it’s time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked macaroni, the chicken with sauce, two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, half a cup of cream cheese, half a cup of milk, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed. Make sure the pasta and chicken get evenly coated with cheese and sauce. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If you like, you can top it with some extra cheese. Bake it for 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps avoid burns. Before serving, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your savory honey garlic chicken mac and cheese! To get the right flavor, you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness. If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a bit more soy sauce. For extra sweetness, add more honey. To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps it stick to the chicken and pasta better. To cook pasta just right, look for al dente texture. This means it should be firm but not hard. Stir the pasta while it cooks to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain it well and avoid rinsing. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce stick. For a creamy mac and cheese, use a blend of cheeses. Cheddar is great, but mix it with cream cheese for richness. When melting cheese, stir it in slowly over low heat. This keeps the cheese smooth and prevents clumping. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts better than pre-shredded. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni al dente. This will help it maintain its texture when mixed with the cheese sauce and baked. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, consider marinating the diced chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile in your mac and cheese. Garnish for Presentation: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it until it turns pink. Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Press it to remove water, then cube and sauté. Add some color and nutrition by including veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Spinach wilts nicely and blends well with the cheese. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. You can also explore different spices for extra flavor. Try adding chili powder or cumin. Mixing cheeses can take your mac and cheese to the next level. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamy texture. You can even incorporate flavored cheeses, like smoked gouda or pepper jack, to add depth. Experimenting with cheeses makes each batch unique and exciting! To store leftovers, place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It’s best to do this when it has cooled down. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freshness, cover the dish tightly. You can also use plastic wrap or foil to seal it. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely before you freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. Stir halfway through for even heating. For microwave reheating, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat for 1-2 minutes on high, stirring halfway. Check to see if it’s hot enough before serving. You can serve this dish with a simple salad. A side of steamed broccoli works well too. Garlic bread adds a nice touch. For a refreshing drink, try iced tea or lemonade. Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the mac and cheese, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven before serving. It stays tasty for about three days. To spice up the sauce, add red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the best flavor. Absolutely! Kids love the creamy cheese and sweet honey flavor. The chicken adds protein, making it a balanced meal. You can even let kids help with the cooking for more fun. Yes, you can use regular soy sauce. It will make the dish saltier, so watch the salt you add. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free option. This blog post covered how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure success. Tips on cooking and storage can help keep your dish fresh. Explore variations to make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to add different flavors and proteins. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty meal that everyone loves!

Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish with honey garlic chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chicken with the sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with additional cheese if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, mac and cheese

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