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- Elbow macaroni: You need 2 cups. This pasta shape holds sauce well. - Chicken breast: Use 1 pound, diced. It adds protein and flavor. - Honey and garlic: Use 3 tablespoons of honey and 3 cloves of minced garlic. They create a sweet and savory sauce. - Cheese and milk: You will need 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of milk. They make the dish creamy and rich. - Seasonings: Use 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and paprika, plus salt and pepper. They enhance the dish's flavor. - Fresh parsley: Chop some for garnish. It adds color and freshness to the final dish. Each ingredient plays a key role. They work together to create a comforting and delicious meal. You can easily source these ingredients at any grocery store. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Make sure to add a generous amount of salt. Salt adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks. Then, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes around 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika on top. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it is browned and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy. With the chicken still in the skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute. This helps the garlic release its flavor. After that, drizzle 3 tablespoons of honey over the chicken. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sweet sauce. Remove the skillet from heat when done. In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of milk and let it heat for a minute. Next, gradually whisk in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Whisking is key to a creamy texture. Now, it’s time to mix it all together. Add the drained macaroni and the honey garlic chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir everything until well combined. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Heat gently for a few minutes to warm everything through. Spoon the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls. For a fresh touch, garnish each bowl with chopped parsley. This adds color and a bit of herb flavor. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken just right, start with even pieces. Cut your chicken breast into small, even cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate. - Ensure even cooking and browning: Use medium heat and give the chicken space in the pan. Crowding the pan leads to steaming instead of browning. - Checking for doneness: Cut into a piece to check if it's no longer pink inside. The juices should run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). Creamy mac and cheese needs the right cheese and technique. - Tips to prevent clumping of cheese: Grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded. This helps it melt smoothly. - Adjusting cheese quantities for personal preference: If you love cheese, add more! Start with the recipe's amount and then taste. Add more if you want a richer flavor. Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues. - What to do if the sauce is too thick or thin: If the sauce is thick, add a splash of milk. If it's too thin, let it cook a bit longer. This helps it thicken up. - Adjusting flavors for personal taste: Taste your dish as you cook. If it needs more flavor, add salt, pepper, or even more honey for sweetness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced varieties. It will enhance the overall taste of your dish. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the macaroni until al dente ensures it maintains its shape and texture when combined with the sauce, preventing mushiness. Quality Cheese Matters: Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Add a Splash of Hot Sauce: For a little kick, consider adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce. It will complement the honey garlic flavor beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey gives a lighter taste. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Both work well with the honey garlic sauce. For cheese, try different types. Gouda adds a smoky flavor. Mozzarella makes it extra creamy. Experiment with these to find your favorite mix. Add veggies to boost nutrition. Broccoli and spinach are tasty and colorful. Just steam them lightly before mixing in. They add texture and flavor to your dish. You can also spice things up for a twist. A pinch of cumin gives a warm note. Or, try curry powder for a fun kick. It changes the whole vibe of the dish. Pair your mac and cheese with a fresh salad. A light green salad complements the rich flavors. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, bake it! Top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese. Bake until golden brown. This gives a crunchy layer on top, making it even more delicious. To store your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese, first cool it down. Spread it out in a wide dish for quick cooling. Once it's cool, transfer it to airtight containers. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, use gentle heat. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to keep it even. On the stove, add a splash of milk. This keeps the sauce creamy. Stir well as you heat to refresh the dish before serving. To freeze Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese, let it cool first. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space at the top as it expands. It will taste best if used within three months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to defrost. After that, reheat it gently. This keeps flavors and texture intact. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. These options work well with our creamy cheese sauce. Just cook them as you would regular pasta, keeping an eye on the cooking time. Always check the package for specific instructions, as they can vary. You can store this dish in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before putting it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last in the freezer for about three months. Just remember to label it! Sharp cheddar cheese is my top pick for Mac and Cheese. It melts nicely and has a great flavor. You can also mix in some Gruyère or mozzarella for extra creaminess. Combining different cheeses adds depth and richness to your dish. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix the cheese sauce. Store each part separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just combine them and heat through in a pot. This saves time and makes serving easier. To add some heat, try mixing in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You could also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack. If you like a sauce with more kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Just make sure to taste as you go. This recipe for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser. We covered every step, from cooking pasta to preparing the perfect sauce. You learned tips for ensuring tender chicken and creamy cheese. I shared ways to customize the dish and store leftovers effectively. With these details, you can create a delicious meal for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting, and don't hesitate to add your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy and flavorful 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
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, drizzle the honey over the chicken, mixing well until the chicken is coated in the sauce. Remove from heat.
  • In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the milk and let it heat for a minute. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  • Add the cooked macaroni and honey garlic chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
  • Spoon the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, honey garlic, mac and cheese