Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

$- 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

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

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