Description
A comforting and flavorful dish combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Gently fold in the cooked macaroni.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with the honey garlic chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier chicken, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina.
- Add roasted broccoli or cauliflower to the casserole for extra vegetables.
- The macaroni and cheese and honey garlic chicken can be prepared separately ahead of time and assembled just before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: Approximately 750-850 (estimated)
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approximately 1000-1200mg (estimated)
- Fat: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 20-25g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 20-25g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Less than 1g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150-180mg (estimated)
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Mac, Honey garlic chicken pasta, Honey garlic chicken macaroni, Chicken and macaroni with honey garlic sauce, Honey garlic chicken noodle casserole, Easy honey garlic chicken mac recipe, How to make honey garlic chicken mac, What is honey garlic chicken mac, Honey garlic chicken pasta bake, Creamy honey garlic chicken mac, Honey garlic chicken mac and cheese, Best honey garlic chicken macaroni, Honey garlic chicken pasta recipe, Homemade honey garlic chicken mac, Simple honey garlic chicken pasta, Honey garlic chicken skillet mac, Quick honey garlic chicken mac, Honey garlic chicken mac bake recipe, Honey garlic chicken pasta bake recipe, Chicken mac with honey garlic glaze