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To make this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese, you’ll need: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1/4 cup honey (preferably local for extra flavor) - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of warmth - 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory dish. The elbow macaroni offers a great base, while the chicken adds protein. The honey and garlic bring a sweet and savory balance. Sharp cheddar cheese makes it rich, and cream cheese adds extra creaminess. Don't forget the green onions for a fresh touch! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain the pasta and set aside, making sure it does not stick. - In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. - Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. - Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. - Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. - Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Pour in honey and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. - Lower the heat and add cooked macaroni and chicken back into the skillet. - Fold in softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. - Stir until everything is mixed well and the cheese is melted. - Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - If you want it creamier, add a splash of chicken broth. - Transfer the mac and cheese to bowls or a serving dish. - Garnish with finely sliced green onions for a fresh touch. - Serve it hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness! How to prevent clumping To keep your mac and cheese creamy, stir well. Make sure the cheese melts evenly. This avoids clumping in the sauce. If it clumps, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps to loosen it. Recommended cheese types For great flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a nice bite. You can mix in some mozzarella for creaminess. Gouda also works well for a smoky taste. Gradually adding cheese When you add cheese, do it slowly. This allows it to melt better. Stir constantly while adding cheese. This creates a smooth and creamy sauce. Using room temperature cream cheese Make sure your cream cheese is soft. Let it sit out for a bit before use. Soft cream cheese mixes in easily. This helps your mac and cheese stay creamy. Overcooking the pasta Don’t cook the pasta too long. Follow the package time for al dente texture. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. You want it to hold its shape in the dish. Skipping the seasoning Always season your dish well. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also use smoked paprika for warmth. Proper seasoning makes your mac and cheese pop with flavor. Pro Tips Use Local Honey: Opt for local honey as it not only enhances the flavor but may also provide local health benefits. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente to avoid mushy pasta once it's combined with the sauce. Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like gouda or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile. Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken; just skip the cooking step for the chicken. {{image_4}} You can make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese even better! Try adding vegetables. Spinach adds nice color and nutrients. Broccoli gives crunch and taste. These veggies cook well with pasta and chicken. You can also switch up proteins. Bacon adds a smoky flavor. Shrimp brings a sweet taste. Just cook them before mixing in. These add-ins make the dish more fun and tasty. Cheese plays a big role in this dish. While sharp cheddar is great, you can try mozzarella. It melts wonderfully and gives a creamy texture. Gouda is another good choice. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with the honey garlic sauce. Combining different cheeses can create unique flavors. Mix cheddar with mozzarella for a gooey texture. Or blend gouda with a touch of blue cheese for a bold taste. The cheese choices can change the whole dish. You can cook this dish in different ways. An Instant Pot makes it quick and easy. Just sauté the chicken, then add the other ingredients. Seal the pot and cook on high for a short time. Another option is to bake it. After mixing everything, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This method gives a nice crust on top. Both cooking styles give you a delicious meal! To keep your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, use proper containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure they are airtight to keep moisture out. Store your leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking for safety. This dish will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. To reheat your mac and cheese, the best method is using the stove. Place the dish in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help keep it creamy. Stir often until it is heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your mac and cheese, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best results. You can use tofu, turkey, or pork. Each option adds a unique taste. If you like seafood, shrimp works well too. Just cook it until done. Adjust cooking times as needed for each protein. Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great choice. It adds more fiber and nutrients. The taste will be slightly nuttier, but it pairs well with the sauce. Make sure to cook it until it's just right. Follow the package instructions for best results. Absolutely! Replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavors rich and tasty. The cheese will still give you that creamy feel you love. Add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. This will add depth to the sauce. You could also mix in some chili flakes for heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. The key is to use enough sauce. If it looks dry, add more chicken broth or cream. Stir well to mix in the sauce evenly. You want a creamy, rich texture with every bite! You now have a complete guide to making creamy honey garlic mac and cheese. We explored the key ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and shared tips to avoid common mistakes. You can add your favorite extras or try different cheeses to make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste later. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & 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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 4 cup green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente texture, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring it's not sticky.
  • In a spacious skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced chicken breasts. Season generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. You don’t want it to brown, just fragrant. Next, pour in the honey and chicken broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and slightly reduce the sauce.
  • After the sauce has simmered, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cooked elbow macaroni and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Gently fold in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, the cheese is melted, and the mixture is beautifully creamy.
  • Taste your mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up to your liking.
  • Transfer the delicious mac and cheese to bowls or a serving dish. For a pop of color and fresher taste, generously sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately while it’s still hot, gooey, and irresistible!

Notes

Use local honey for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, honey garlic, mac and cheese