Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese

$- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 tablespoons butter - 3 tablespoons honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) You can switch elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you like. Penne or fusilli work well. If you want a lighter dish, use cooked turkey instead of chicken. For a dairy-free option, try almond or cashew milk instead of heavy cream. If you have no cheddar or mozzarella, any melty cheese will do. Cream cheese can add a rich, creamy texture too. For sweetening, maple syrup can replace honey. You will need a large pot to cook the pasta. A skillet is key for the honey garlic sauce. Use a separate saucepan to make the cheese sauce. A large bowl helps mix everything together. If you plan to bake it, grab a baking dish and some cooking spray to prevent sticking. Finally, keep a good knife handy for shredding chicken and chopping garlic. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water boils, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to rinse the pasta, as you want it to hold some starch. Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it smells great, but be careful not to let it brown. After that, stir in 3 tablespoons of honey. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to blend the flavors. This sauce will add a sweet and savory taste to your dish. In another saucepan, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Warm this mixture over medium heat until it gets hot but not boiling. Gradually add in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. This will make your mac and cheese rich and delicious. Now it's time to put everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the honey garlic chicken from the skillet, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix everything well until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. This step is key for that perfect bite of flavor in every forkful. If you love a crispy top, consider baking your mac and cheese. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If you want, sprinkle more cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden top when it’s done. This adds a nice texture to your meal. To get the best honey garlic taste, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. Mince it well for a smooth mix. When you cook it, don’t let it brown. Browned garlic can taste bitter. Use high-quality honey for the best sweetness. It adds a rich flavor that really shines. You can adjust the amount of honey too. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a creamy cheese sauce, use shredded cheese. Shredded cheese melts better than blocks. Mix cheddar and mozzarella for a great taste. Add the cheese slowly to the warm cream. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of cream. This keeps it smooth and easy to mix. To keep your mac and cheese creamy, start with hot pasta. The heat helps the cheese blend in well. Always toss the pasta with the cheese sauce right away. This keeps the pasta from sticking. If you store leftovers, add a bit of cream before reheating. This keeps it from drying out. For extra creaminess, try adding a little sour cream or cream cheese when mixing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options. It enhances the overall taste of your dish. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added depth. Gouda or pepper jack can provide a unique twist to the classic mac and cheese flavor. Customize the Heat: If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the nutrition of Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese by adding veggies. Try adding broccoli or spinach to the pasta. Both cook quickly and add color. - Broccoli: Cut it into small florets. Steam it for 3-4 minutes before mixing. - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach right before serving. It wilts fast and blends well. - Bell Peppers: Chop them finely and sauté with garlic for a sweet crunch. These veggies make the dish healthier and tastier. If you like heat, spice up your mac and cheese. A dash of hot sauce can change the game. Or try adding red pepper flakes for a kick. - Hot Sauce: Add 1-2 teaspoons to the honey garlic sauce. Adjust to your taste. - Jalapeños: Finely chop fresh jalapeños and mix them in with the chicken. - Chipotle Powder: Use this smoky spice in the cheese sauce for depth. These options will give your dish a fun twist. Experimenting with cheese can take your mac and cheese to new heights. While cheddar and mozzarella are great, other cheeses can add unique flavors. - Gouda: This cheese melts beautifully and brings a rich flavor. - Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan on top for a salty, nutty finish. - Cream Cheese: Mix in cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. Try different cheese blends to find your favorite flavor combination. To store your Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese, let it cool first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, just take them out. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each burst. This helps heat evenly. If using the stove, add a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy. Heat over low until warm. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. Label it with the date and name. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne, rotini, or shells work great. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. The key is to keep the pasta shape that holds the sauce well. This makes every bite tasty. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options. Check the labels to ensure they fit your diet. You can also use gluten-free flour to make the cheese sauce if needed. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Mix the honey garlic sauce and cheese sauce just before baking. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents soggy pasta. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. A light coleslaw adds crunch and balances the meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting feast. This blog post covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese. We explored ingredient choices, substitutions, and tools to make it easy. You learned how to perfect the flavor and create creamy cheese sauce. Plus, we shared storage tips and answered common questions about the dish. You can customize this meal to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your family and friends with this tasty recipe!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish with shredded chicken and a sweet honey garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Stir in honey and let it simmer for another minute.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, and toss to coat with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on medium heat until warmed through. Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, honey garlic chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until the pasta is completely coated.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. You can sprinkle more cheese on top if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Optional to bake for a crispy top.

Keyword chicken, honey garlic, mac and cheese