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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese, gather all these tasty ingredients. 1. Elbow macaroni gives the dish its classic comfort. It’s fun to eat! 2. Chicken breast adds protein and makes the dish hearty. Diced pieces cook quickly. 3. Unsalted butter helps create a rich sauce. It also flavors the chicken. 4. Honey brings sweetness. It pairs well with garlic for a nice glaze. 5. Garlic boosts flavor and aroma. Freshly minced garlic works best. 6. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a bold taste. It melts perfectly into a creamy sauce. 7. Milk makes the cheese sauce smooth and rich. Whole milk works great. 8. Dijon mustard adds a hint of tang. It balances out the sweetness of honey. 9. Smoked paprika gives a subtle smokiness. It adds depth to the dish. 10. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Season to your taste. 11. Fresh parsley is for garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. With these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal. Each item plays a key role in the overall flavor and texture. - Boiling the water: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. - Cooking to al dente: Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the macaroni and set it aside. - Sautéing the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes. Stir it often until it is nicely browned and fully cooked. - Seasoning guidelines: While cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. This adds great flavor. - Sautéing garlic: In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. - Incorporating honey: Add 1/4 cup of honey to the skillet. Stir it well and let it bubble. Cook for an additional 2 minutes for a nice caramelized texture. - Tossing chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it well in the honey garlic sauce. Make sure every piece is coated. Remove it from heat. - Creating the cheese sauce: In a separate large saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard over low heat. Stir it gently. - Whisking until smooth: Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure the cheese is fully melted. - Combining macaroni and chicken: Add the drained macaroni and the honey garlic chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. - Ensuring even coating: Stir gently to mix everything. Make sure all the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce. - Portioning tips: Use a large spoon to scoop the mac & cheese into serving bowls. - Garnishing with parsley: For an added touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds color and freshness to your dish. - Sauce thickness: Aim for a creamy texture. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it's too thin, cook it longer to reduce. - Cheese selection: Use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. You can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or Gruyère for a nutty taste. - Dealing with leftovers: Store leftover chicken separately. This keeps it fresh and prevents sogginess in the mac & cheese. - Ensuring tenderness: Cook chicken over medium heat. Avoid high heat, which can dry it out. Sauté until golden and fully cooked. - Sweetness versus savoriness: Balance the honey's sweetness with salt and cheese. This makes each bite rich and satisfying. - Spice level variations: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat. You can also toss in some black pepper for a mild kick. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. - Use plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. - Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrients. Adding veggies boosts flavor and color. You can sauté them before mixing them in. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. If you want to change the flavor, try different cheeses. - Use mozzarella for a creamy texture. - Feta adds a salty kick. Mixing cheeses can create a unique taste. Sharp cheddar with creamy gouda works well. You can experiment to find your favorite combo! You can make this dish gluten-free with simple swaps. - Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni. - Use gluten-free flour to thicken your cheese sauce. These changes keep the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. Enjoy your creamy mac & cheese without worry! To keep your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, use proper storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure the container is airtight to prevent drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the mac & cheese cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easier storage. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best results, reheat your mac & cheese in the oven or on the stovetop. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. On the stovetop, add a splash of milk while reheating to maintain creaminess. Stir gently to combine. Enjoy your meal like it was freshly made! Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it into the dish. This makes your meal quick and easy. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard. You can also skip it entirely for a simpler taste. Just keep in mind that Dijon adds a nice tang. You can add spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Hot sauce also works well. Start with a little and taste as you go. Yes, you can make it in advance. Cook it, then cool it before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it slowly in the oven for best results. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread also makes a lovely side. You can choose any side you enjoy! In this article, we explored a delicious Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. We shared tips for perfecting the dish and offered variations for dietary needs. Remember, you can adjust flavors and serve it with sides for a complete meal. This recipe is easy, fun, and full of flavor. Enjoy crafting your delicious mac and cheese that will impress your family and friends!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese

Indulge in a delicious twist on comfort food with this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni meets tender chicken in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, enhanced with sweet honey and savory garlic. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can create a dish that will delight your family and friends. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 pound chicken breast, diced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the macaroni and set it aside, ensuring it's ready for the final mix.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced chicken to the skillet, then generously season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, or until it is nicely browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Incorporate the honey into the skillet, allowing it to bubble and cook for an additional 2 minutes, which will give it a nice caramelized texture.

        Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it well to coat in the luscious honey garlic sauce. Once fully combined, remove the skillet from the heat.

          Prepare the Mac & Cheese Mixture: In a separate large saucepan, combine the milk and Dijon mustard over low heat, stirring continually. Gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the cheese is fully melted.

            Bring It All Together: Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the drained macaroni and the honey garlic chicken mixture into the sauce. Stir gently to ensure that everything is thoroughly combined and coated in the delicious cheese sauce.

              Serve: Spoon the creamy mac & cheese into serving bowls. For an added touch of color and freshness, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve the mac & cheese in rustic bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese and parsley on top to elevate the dish's presentation!