Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

$- 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup elbow macaroni - 3 tablespoons butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup cream cheese - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) When measuring honey, use a liquid measuring cup. It helps to pour it easily. For the cheeses, I love using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. This mix gives a great taste and texture. Make sure to shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well. Green onions are my favorite garnish for this dish. They add a fresh crunch. You can also use crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of paprika for color. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick to the creamy mac and cheese. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Then, toss in 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic smells great. Next, add 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Stir it all together. Let it thicken for 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat. Add 1/4 cup of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts well. Now, gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Now, add the cooked macaroni and the sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir everything well so it’s all coated. Heat it for about 2-3 minutes. Your dish is now creamy and delicious! To make a creamy cheese sauce, start with low heat. High heat can make the cheese grainy. Use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. Mixing in mozzarella adds great stretch. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it smooth and pourable. For a tasty kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. It adds heat without overpowering the dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. They add a fresh taste and bright color. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance. To keep chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Cook until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices stay inside. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook the macaroni al dente to ensure it maintains its texture when mixed with the cheese sauce. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice to the honey garlic sauce for a refreshing tang that complements the sweetness. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile. Garnish Smart: Top with crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor contrast. {{image_2}} You can add many vegetables to this dish. Try adding broccoli, peas, or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrition. Just steam them lightly before mixing them in. You can add them when you combine the chicken and macaroni. This way, they get warm but stay bright and fresh. If you want to switch up the sweet taste, use different sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar works well. They give a nice flavor without using honey. You can adjust the amount to your taste. Start with the same amount as honey, then add more if you want. Cheese lovers can mix it up with different kinds. Try gouda, fontina, or pepper jack cheese. Each cheese brings a unique taste. For a creamier sauce, use more cream cheese. You can also go for a sharper taste with extra cheddar. Mixing cheeses makes your dish fun and exciting! You can store Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese in the fridge. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It will last for up to three days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and reheat. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Make sure it is fully cooled before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This dish can stay good in the freezer for about two months. Just remember to label it with the date you froze it. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat it easily. For the best results, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. If you want, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's hot. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Penne, fusilli, or shells work well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. Each type will add its own charm to the dish. To add spice, use crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Start small, taste, and adjust until you hit your desired heat level. Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Make the cheese sauce and combine it all when you're ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. If you want a substitute for chicken, try diced turkey or cooked shrimp. Tofu also works well for a plant-based option. Each alternative will bring a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Yes, you can make it vegetarian easily. Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce. Enjoy a tasty, meat-free meal! This blog post covered ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and storage for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese. You learned to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make both sauces. You discovered ways to customize the dish and the best storage methods. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Get creative with flavors and enjoy your meal!$

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy and savory dish combining chicken, macaroni, and a delicious honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
1 cup elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
to garnish green onions, chopped

Instructions

In a 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 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add honey and chicken broth, stirring until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Lower the heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Gradually add in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mixing until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth for desired consistency.
Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through, around 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy your creamy, savory Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

For extra flavor, add more garlic or spices to taste.

Keyword chicken, honey garlic, mac and cheese