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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk (preferably whole for creaminess) - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste This recipe serves four people. You need two cups of elbow macaroni. For the chicken, one pound is perfect. Use three tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Three cloves of minced garlic add flavor. You will need four tablespoons of unsalted butter, which helps with richness. For cheese, two cups of sharp cheddar create a nice, bold taste. One cup of whole milk gives a creamy texture. Add one teaspoon each of onion powder and paprika for seasoning. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Chop it finely and sprinkle on top. You can also add more shredded cheese for extra flavor. A drizzle of honey on top can make it look fancy. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. This step is key for a perfect base. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Spread the pieces out to help with even cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C. After the chicken is cooked, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. This brings out the garlic's great flavor. Next, drizzle 3 tablespoons of honey over the chicken. Stir well to coat each piece in the sweet sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat to keep the flavors fresh. In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1 cup of whole milk. Heat it for about a minute, but do not let it boil. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Now, gently fold the cooked macaroni and the honey garlic chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is mixed well and the pasta is fully coated. Cook for another minute to warm everything through. This step brings all the flavors together. Spoon the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. You can also add extra shredded cheese and a drizzle of honey for a shiny finish. Serve it with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make your mac and cheese extra creamy, use whole milk. It adds richness that low-fat milk lacks. You can also add a splash of cream for a velvety texture. Stir the cheese in slowly to help it melt smoothly. If the sauce seems thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired creaminess. For perfectly cooked chicken, cut your chicken breast into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook on medium heat until golden brown and 165°F inside. Don’t rush this step; it adds flavor and texture. To elevate the taste, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. A splash of hot sauce can bring some heat. You can also sprinkle in some cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. Lastly, top with extra cheese or a drizzle of honey for a sweet finish. These simple additions make a big difference in flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your macaroni until al dente. This ensures it retains a nice bite and won't become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce. Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. It adds a wonderful aroma and taste to the chicken. Cheese Choice Matters: Select a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and flavorful cheese sauce. It will enhance the overall taste of your mac and cheese. Garnish for Presentation: Don't skip the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish. {{image_4}} You can add vegetables to your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese for extra nutrition. Spinach, broccoli, or peas work well. These veggies add color and flavor. For spinach, stir in a handful just before mixing everything together. For broccoli, steam it lightly, then fold it in. If you prefer peas, add them during the last minute of cooking the pasta. This way, you keep their bright green color and crunch. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can switch it up! Try using mozzarella for a meltier texture. Gruyère adds a nutty taste. If you like blue cheese, it gives a bold flavor. Mix two or more cheeses to create your own blend. Just remember to adjust the amount so it melts well with the milk. For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños. You can mix them in with the chicken while cooking. This adds heat and flavor. If you want it less spicy, use pickled jalapeños instead. They bring a tangy taste without too much heat. You can also add some red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for an extra boost! Store your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. It’s best to store it in the fridge when not eaten. Enjoy it within three to four days for optimal taste. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place a serving in a bowl and cover it. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even warmth. If using the stove, add a splash of milk to the pan. Heat on low, stirring until creamy again. You can freeze Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It stays good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This ensures the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Options like penne or fusilli work well. These shapes hold sauce nicely. Just cook them according to the package instructions. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a nice touch, add some roasted veggies. You can also serve it with a light soup on the side. Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently to enjoy the flavors again. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead. Cook the components, then combine them before serving. This way, the flavors meld nicely. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to eat. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for a tasty dish and detailed the steps to make it. I shared tips for creaminess and perfect chicken, along with ways to vary the recipe. You learned about storage best practices and answers to common questions. This dish is fun to make, and it can cater to your tastes. Try it out, and don’t hesitate to experiment! You will impress your family and friends with this simple meal, helping you become a kitchen star.

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy and delicious mac and cheese dish with honey garlic butter chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk (preferably whole for creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, ensuring the pieces are evenly spread out to brown properly. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sautéed chicken and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. Drizzle the honey over the chicken and garlic mixture, stirring well to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the sweet and savory sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the milk, allowing it to heat for about a minute without boiling. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Combine Everything: Gently fold the cooked macaroni and the honey garlic chicken mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the rich cheese sauce. Cook for another minute to ensure everything is heated through.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Spoon generous portions of the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese into comforting bowls. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese on top and a drizzle of honey for a glimmering effect. A side of garlic bread would also complement the meal beautifully!
Keyword chicken, comfort food, honey garlic, mac and cheese