Samantha There are nights when only the cheesiest, coziest meal will do—and that’s when I turn to my honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese. Imagine juicy chicken bites glazed in sticky-sweet honey garlic butter sauce, folded into creamy macaroni smothered with melted cheddar and mozzarella. It’s the best of both worlds: classic mac & cheese comfort meets the bold flavor of honey garlic chicken.
I love that this dish feels indulgent but is also packed with protein. Each serving gives you nearly 40 grams of lean protein from chicken and cheese, balanced with carbs from the pasta. According to Healthline, protein-rich meals like this keep you fuller longer, making them perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Whether you bake it into a bubbling casserole, serve it skillet-style, or portion it into meal prep bowls, this garlic butter chicken mac and cheese casserole is one of those recipes that gets people hovering in the kitchen before it even hits the table.
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese – Cheesy Baked Comfort Food with Juicy Chicken, Honey Garlic Sauce & Creamy Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne optional, for heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, melt butter, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: Add garlic to skillet, sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, simmer until chicken is coated and sticky.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a separate pot, warm milk and cream, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine: Toss pasta into the cheese sauce, then fold in honey garlic butter chicken.
- Optional bake: Transfer to casserole dish, top with extra cheese, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese
1. Use freshly shredded cheese for maximum creaminess: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred your own cheddar and mozzarella for that silky, gooey texture every great mac and cheese deserves. This step makes your cheesy baked comfort food extra indulgent. 2. Balance the honey garlic sauce: To get that perfect sweet-and-savory flavor, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and butter in the right proportions. Too much honey can make it overly sweet — you want just enough to complement the richness of the creamy pasta and juicy chicken. 3. Sear your chicken before baking: Browning your chicken pieces first locks in juices and adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste. Juicy golden chicken pairs perfectly with the buttery, garlicky cheese sauce in this honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese. 4. Layer flavors, not just ingredients: When assembling the bake, mix some sauce directly into the cooked pasta before layering it with cheese and chicken. This ensures every bite of mac and cheese with chicken is coated in that luscious honey garlic butter sauce instead of just the top layer. 5. Don’t overbake: Bake just until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly. Overbaking can make the pasta dry. Keep it moist and creamy — that’s what makes this comfort food so irresistible. 6. Add texture with a crispy topping: For a finishing touch, sprinkle a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan before baking. It creates a crunchy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy layers underneath. 7. Rest before serving: Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta perfectly, giving you that rich, spoonful-of-heaven moment in every bite.Recipe Overview (Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese)
- Course: Main Course / Dinner / Comfort Food
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
- Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, honey, garlic, butter, macaroni pasta, cheddar cheese, mozzarella
- Best For: Family dinners, meal prep, game day, comfort food nights
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 530
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
(Source: USDA FoodData Central)
Budget Breakdown
This recipe is not only delicious but budget-friendly. Here’s the cost breakdown for making honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese:
- Chicken breasts (2 lbs): $10.00
- Pasta (1 lb elbow macaroni): $2.00
- Cheddar + mozzarella cheese (3 cups total): $6.00
- Honey + butter + garlic: $3.00
- Milk + cream: $2.50
- Pantry spices: $1.00
- Total Cost: ≈ $24.50 (serves 6, ≈ $4.08 per serving)
Behind the Recipe
The idea for this creamy honey garlic chicken mac & cheese came from my indecisiveness. On one hand, I wanted the classic comfort of baked mac & cheese. On the other, I was craving sticky honey garlic chicken—the kind that’s sweet, savory, and a little garlicky. So I thought, why not combine them?
The garlic butter chicken adds a savory-sweet layer that cuts through the richness of the pasta and cheese. It makes the mac & cheese taste more dynamic, more layered, and honestly, more crave-worthy. Sometimes I bake it in a casserole dish with an extra cheesy topping for guests. Other times, I keep it stovetop creamy for quick weeknights.
Over time, I started adapting it for different needs—swapping cream for Greek yogurt for a healthy honey garlic mac & cheese, or adding broccoli and spinach when I want more veggies. And it’s always a hit. Even picky eaters love the cheesy pasta, while the bold honey garlic butter chicken bites keep the adults happy.
According to Mayo Clinic, meals that combine protein, carbs, and healthy fats—like this one—can support satiety, energy balance, and overall wellness, making it more than just comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese
Quick and Easy
This honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting but fast.
Protein-Packed
With nearly 40 grams of protein per serving, this garlic butter chicken mac and cheese isn’t just indulgent—it’s also satisfying and fueling. According to WebMD, protein-rich meals like this help you feel fuller longer and support energy balance.
Flavor Explosion
The sweet-savory honey garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy pasta creates an unforgettable twist on the classic baked mac and cheese.
Versatile
Serve it as a bubbling casserole, keep it stovetop creamy, or portion it into meal prep mac and cheese bowls—this recipe adapts easily to your needs.
Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy pasta, while the bold honey garlic chicken bites keep adults satisfied, making this a true family favorite.
More Recipes You’ll Want on Repeat
- Creamy Paprika Steak Shells – A one-pot pasta dish with smoky paprika, garlic cream sauce, and tender beef that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
- Lemon Pepper Chickpea Salad – A zesty, protein-packed salad with chickpeas, lemon, and fresh herbs, ideal for meal prep or light lunches.
- Old-Fashioned Sloppy Joes – Sweet, tangy, and savory ground beef sandwiches that taste just like the classic comfort food we all grew up with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken Breast
Lean and high-protein, perfect for absorbing the honey garlic butter glaze.
Honey Garlic Sauce
The star of this dish—a simple blend of honey, garlic, butter, and soy sauce creates sweet-savory magic.
Cheddar + Mozzarella
Cheddar brings sharp tang, while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness for the ultimate mac & cheese texture.
Pasta
Classic elbow macaroni works great, but penne, shells, or rotini hold the sauce just as well.
Perfect For
Weeknight Family Dinners
This honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese is quick, cheesy, and kid-friendly with just enough bold flavor from the garlic butter chicken to satisfy adults.
Meal Prep
Divide into containers for easy high-protein chicken mac & cheese meal prep. It reheats beautifully with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy. According to EatRight.org, prepping and storing meals safely helps save time and ensures you always have nourishing food ready to go.
Game Day or Parties
Serve in a casserole dish and watch it vanish fast. This garlic butter chicken mac & cheese casserole is crowd-pleasing finger food when scooped into cups or bowls.
Comfort Food Cravings
When plain mac & cheese isn’t enough, the juicy honey garlic butter chicken makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
Post-Workout Fuel
With its protein and carb combo, this recipe is ideal after the gym. It’s both indulgent and functional—a protein-packed mac & cheese with chicken that refuels and satisfies.
More Recipes You’ll Crave Again and Again
- Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes – Fluffy, golden pancakes with warm vanilla-cinnamon notes that make every breakfast feel special.
- Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella – Juicy oven-baked chicken topped with melty mozzarella and balsamic glaze for a flavorful high-protein dinner.
- Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl – A meal-prep friendly, protein-rich salad with bold flavors of avocado, corn, and smoky chicken.
How to Make This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, melt butter, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: Add garlic to skillet, sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, simmer until chicken is coated and sticky.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a separate pot, warm milk and cream, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine: Toss pasta into the cheese sauce, then fold in honey garlic butter chicken.
- Optional bake: Transfer to casserole dish, top with extra cheese, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Sam’s Pro Tips for Success
Balance the Flavors
Don’t overdo the honey—just enough sweetness balances the savory garlic butter sauce.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh cloves deliver more punch than powdered garlic.
Choose Good Cheese
Sharp cheddar gives depth, while mozzarella ensures melty creaminess.
Double for Meal Prep
This recipe freezes well, so make extra for busy weeks.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan create a golden crust for the baked version.
Easy Variations You Can Try
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese
Turn up the heat by adding sriracha, chili flakes, or even cayenne pepper. This version of spicy honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors with their comfort food.
Veggie Boost
Toss in broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to sneak in extra nutrients. Adding vegetables makes this healthy honey garlic chicken mac & cheese more balanced and colorful. According to Healthline, incorporating veggies into comfort meals boosts vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Gluten-Free Version
Make this recipe celiac-friendly by using gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. The creamy garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with gluten-free alternatives, ensuring no one misses out.
Lighter Option
For a healthier twist, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This creates a lighter high-protein honey garlic mac & cheese that’s just as creamy but lower in fat.
BBQ Twist
Drizzle smoky barbecue sauce over the top before serving. This BBQ honey garlic chicken mac & cheese variation adds a sweet, smoky kick that’s perfect for parties or potlucks.
More Recipes You’ll Want to Try Next
- Viral Carrot Salad – A crunchy, spicy, TikTok-famous salad that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
- Creamy Paprika Steak Shells – A rich and smoky one-pot pasta dish with tender steak and a velvety paprika cream sauce.
- High Protein Egg Bites – Meal-prep friendly egg muffins packed with protein, perfect for breakfast or snacks on the go.
Storage and Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Make It a Meal
Pair your honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese with:
- High-Protein Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets
- Pomegranate Pistachio Feta Dip
- Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls
Explore More:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese?
Yes! After combining, bake in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. This baked honey garlic chicken mac & cheese casserole is perfect for parties or cozy family dinners.
Is honey garlic chicken mac & cheese good for meal prep?
Definitely. Store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of milk for creamy texture. This makes it one of the best high-protein chicken mac & cheese meal prep recipes you can batch cook for the week.
What cheese works best for chicken mac & cheese?
Sharp cheddar is a must for bold flavor, while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. Monterey Jack or Gruyère are great if you want a slightly nutty twist in your creamy honey garlic chicken mac & cheese.
Can I freeze honey garlic chicken mac & cheese?
Yes, you can freeze before or after baking. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best texture, reheat in the oven with a little extra cheese or milk stirred in.
Can I make this recipe without cream?
Yes! Swap in Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or half-and-half for a lighter honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese that’s still creamy and satisfying.
Is honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese healthy?
While indulgent, it can fit into a balanced lifestyle. Use lean chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and add veggies to boost nutrition. According to Cleveland Clinic, adding protein and vegetables to comfort meals makes them more nourishing without losing flavor.
What sides go best with honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese?
Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread balance the richness of this cheesy chicken mac & cheese with honey garlic sauce. For lighter pairings, try steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover grilled chicken works perfectly when tossed in the honey garlic sauce before mixing with the pasta.
How do I reheat honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese without drying it out?
Add a splash of milk or cream and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or cover with foil and bake at 350°F. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents clumping.
Can I make gluten-free honey garlic chicken mac & cheese?
Absolutely! Swap in gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. The garlic butter sauce and cheese work seamlessly with gluten-free alternatives.
What’s the best pasta for honey garlic chicken mac & cheese?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, penne, or rotini hold the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully. Choosing pasta with ridges helps the honey garlic flavor cling to every bite.
Can I make this dish lighter for weight management?
Yes—use reduced-fat cheese, swap cream for Greek yogurt, and add vegetables like spinach or zucchini. According to EatRight.org, balancing indulgent meals with lighter substitutions helps support healthy weight goals.
Final Thoughts
This honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese is one of those recipes that makes any night feel special. It’s gooey, golden, and loaded with flavor—the perfect mix of sweet honey garlic sauce, buttery chicken, and creamy pasta. I’ve served it for Sunday dinners, tucked it into meal prep bowls for the week, and even brought it to potlucks where it was gone in minutes.
It’s indulgent but balanced, comforting but versatile. Whether you bake it for a bubbling finish or keep it skillet-style and extra creamy, this dish will become one of your go-to favorites. For me, it’s proof that comfort food can be bold, satisfying, and nourishing all at once.
“Sweet, savory, and irresistibly creamy—this honey garlic butter chicken mac & cheese is comfort food with a bold, flavorful twist.” – Sam
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Juicy garlic butter chicken bites tossed in a honey glaze and folded into creamy mac & cheese—an indulgent, high-protein dinner perfect for meal prep or cozy nights.
