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For Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese, gather these items: - 2 cups macaroni pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 3 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup honey - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ¼ cup green onions, sliced (for garnish) Using fresh ingredients makes this dish shine. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. Choose sharp cheddar for a richer taste. Make sure your chicken is fresh for the best texture. Honey adds sweetness that balances the savory flavors. Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning. If you don’t have macaroni, use any pasta shape you like. Chicken thighs can replace breast for more flavor. Try using olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. You can swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. For a vegan twist, use plant-based cheese and cream. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 2 cups of macaroni pasta. Cook it as the package says until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for flavor. Next, lower the heat and add 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells sweet. Be careful not to burn it. Now pour in ½ cup of honey. Stir well until the chicken is coated and the honey caramelizes, about 2 minutes. In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat this over medium heat until warm. Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. This cheese sauce will make your dish creamy and rich. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. Now, fold in the honey garlic chicken mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it right away, topped with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal! This dish takes 15 minutes to prep. You will need about 15 minutes to cook too. In total, you can make this meal in just 30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy days. This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving has plenty of creamy mac and cheese, plus tender chicken. If you have a big family, you may want to double the recipe. It’s always nice to have leftovers! Honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese pairs well with a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors. You can also serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort. If you want some crunch, add steamed broccoli or roasted veggies on the side. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures that the macaroni has a firm texture and won't become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, enhancing the dish's overall taste. Adjust Honey to Taste: Depending on your preference for sweetness, you can add more or less honey to balance the savory and sweet flavors in the dish. Garnish for Color: Adding sliced green onions not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh, crunchy texture that complements the creamy mac and cheese. {{image_2}} One common mistake is overcooking the macaroni. Always aim for al dente pasta. This keeps it firm and holds the sauce well. Another mistake is burning the garlic. Add it after the chicken cooks and keep an eye on it. Garlic can turn bitter if burned. Finally, don’t forget to taste your dish. Adjust the salt and pepper before serving. For a creamy mac and cheese, use heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Stir the cheese in slowly. This helps it melt evenly and avoids clumps. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. This will help loosen it up. Mixing the pasta in while the sauce is warm also helps coat each piece well. Seasonings can elevate your dish. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish, too. For an extra touch, try a splash of lemon juice before serving. This will balance the sweetness of the honey and make the flavors pop. You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Try adding spinach or broccoli. Both add color and nutrients. You can also use peas or bell peppers. Just cook them with the chicken for a few minutes. This helps them stay crisp. They add a nice crunch to your creamy mac and cheese. Cheese can change the taste of your dish. While sharp cheddar is great, you can try others. Monterey Jack adds a creamy texture. Gouda gives a smoky flavor. You could even use mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey effect. Mix different cheeses for a fun taste. Just make sure to use about two cups in total. If you like heat, add some spice! A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a kick. You could also use hot sauce in the honey mix. For a milder dish, skip the spices. This way, everyone can enjoy it. Adjusting spice levels makes this dish yours. You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the macaroni and chicken. Prepare the cheese sauce separately. Mix everything together just before serving. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, reheat it until hot. Yes, you can use leftover chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the dish. Skip the cooking step and mix it directly into the cheese sauce. Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It lasts in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream for creaminess. Stir until everything is hot. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also use a mix of milk and butter. This keeps the dish creamy without heavy cream. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for easy meals. It reheats well, making it a quick lunch or dinner option. Just remember to store it correctly for the best taste. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and serving tips. You learned how to create a tasty Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese. Remember to avoid common mistakes for the best results. Experiment with flavors and variations to suit your taste. Whether you add veggies or change the cheese, feel free to customize. With this dish, you can enjoy a delicious meal any night of the week. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish with honey garlic butter chicken.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups macaroni pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the macaroni pasta according to the 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 to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, typically about 5-7 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and add the minced garlic to the chicken, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Pour in the honey and stir until the chicken is well coated and the honey slightly caramelizes, about 2 minutes.
  • In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese slowly until melted and smooth.
  • Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Fold in the honey garlic chicken mixture into the mac and cheese, stirring until everything is well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions on top.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately for best flavor.
Keyword Chicken, honey garlic, mac and cheese