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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/3 cup honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped These main ingredients form the heart of the dish. You have creamy cheese, savory chicken, and sweet honey all working together. The elbow macaroni holds the sauce well, giving each bite a rich taste. - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil - Lemon juice for brightness Adding optional ingredients can level up your dish. Red pepper flakes give it a spicy kick. Fresh herbs add depth, while lemon juice can cut through the richness. - Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option - Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian dish These variations let you tailor the recipe to fit your needs. You can enjoy this dish regardless of dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can savor the delight of Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, as per the package instructions. This usually takes around 7 to 9 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. This step ensures your pasta will blend perfectly with the sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Then, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Make sure it's cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Next, pour in 1/3 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and adds a sweet, savory taste. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously to blend it well. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. This is the heart of your mac and cheese, so take your time to ensure it’s perfect. Now, add the drained macaroni and cooked chicken back into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This step makes sure every bite is bursting with flavor. Transfer your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese to a serving dish. You can also divide it into individual bowls. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Enjoy your meal! To make a creamy cheese sauce, start with low heat. This helps the cheese melt smoothly. Use shredded cheese for a better melt. Gradually add the cheese to the cream. Stir often until it blends well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. This will give it a nice flow. Always taste your sauce and adjust the salt. For juicy chicken, cut it into small pieces. This helps them cook fast and evenly. Use a hot skillet and let the chicken sear. This adds flavor and locks in moisture. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should be golden brown and no longer pink inside. To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use low heat in a pan. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. For this recipe, you will need basic kitchen tools. A large pot for boiling pasta is essential. A large skillet helps cook the chicken and sauce. Use a wooden spoon for stirring. A good cheese grater is handy for shredding cheese. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. These tools make the cooking process easier and more fun! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that the macaroni is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a stronger flavor than pre-minced garlic. Just a couple of minutes of sautéing will enhance its natural sweetness. Cheese Choices: For a different flavor profile, try mixing sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for extra creaminess. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the parsley! It adds a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the mac and cheese. {{image_4}} You can enjoy this dish gluten-free. Swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar flavor and works well in this recipe. Add veggies to boost nutrition. Broccoli, peas, or spinach are great choices. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta. This step adds color and makes the dish healthier. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Mix these into the garlic and honey sauce for a kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist. This change brings heat and flavor to your mac and cheese. To keep your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps the flavors intact and the texture nice. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, add a splash of milk or cream. This helps bring back the creamy texture while warming it up. You can freeze this dish for later. Place the cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to revive the creaminess. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Penne, shells, or fusilli work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Each pasta shape holds the cheese sauce differently. This adds a fun twist to the dish. Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this recipe. It melts well and gives a strong flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for a creamier texture. Experimenting with gouda or pepper jack can add unique tastes. To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. Use dairy-free cheese options, like almond or cashew cheese. Ensure your butter is also dairy-free, like a plant-based option. This way, you keep the creamy texture and taste. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the macaroni and chicken, then mix them with the cheese sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven. This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed veggies. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. Enjoy! This blog post provided a full guide to making Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for success. You also got ideas for variations and storage tips. Remember, you can adjust this dish to fit your taste or diet. Have fun creating and sharing this tasty meal with others. Enjoy the flavors and make it your own!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish with tender chicken, honey, and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 third cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 half teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 quarter cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté the chicken until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring thoroughly to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Add the drained macaroni and the cooked chicken back into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until all the ingredients are well coated. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Transfer the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese to a serving dish or divide it into individual bowls for serving.
  • Finish by sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.

Notes

You can use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, mac and cheese