Let’s Gather Our Ingredients
Okay, friend, let’s get organized! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.
For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (or more, because garlic is life!)
- Honey: 1/4 cup
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (low sodium is preferred)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Milk: 3 cups (whole milk or 2% for extra creaminess)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups, shredded (freshly shredded melts best!)
- Gruyere Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Nutmeg: Pinch (trust me on this one!)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Green Onions: Sliced, for garnish
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Kitchen Novice to Mac & Cheese Maestro
Alright, deep breaths! We’re going to take this one step at a time. I’m here to guide you, and remember, even mistakes can lead to delicious discoveries. This is one of those Protein Recipes that the entire family will love.
Part 1: The Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Magic
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. This helps the seasoning adhere and keeps the chicken moist.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Set the chicken aside.
- Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds (don’t let it burn!).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Part 2: Creating the Creamy Dreamy Mac & Cheese
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for creating a super creamy sauce!
- Make the Roux: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is the base of your cheese sauce, so don’t skip this step!
- Whisk in the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream (if using) until the roux is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cheese Time!: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season and Finish: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. The nutmeg might sound weird, but it adds a subtle warmth that really elevates the flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Part 3: The Grand Finale – Assembling Your Masterpiece
- Combine Chicken and Mac: Gently fold the honey garlic butter chicken into the creamy mac and cheese. Be careful not to overmix, you want to keep those chicken pieces intact.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
Pro Tips and Variations: Level Up Your Mac & Cheese Game
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s explore some ways to customize this recipe and make it your own! These High Protein Meals are easy to modify to your liking.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious in this recipe. For the ultimate comfort food, consider trying our Bacon Mac Cheese.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use a spicier variety of cheese, like pepper jack. A dash of hot sauce is also a great addition.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some veggies by adding steamed broccoli florets, peas, or spinach to the mac and cheese.
- Crispy Topping: For a little extra crunch, top the mac and cheese with buttered breadcrumbs before baking it in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the honey garlic butter sauce for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Make Ahead: The mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and reheated. Add a little milk or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture. The chicken can also be made ahead and stored separately.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and all-purpose gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Deliciousness
Beyond just tasting amazing, this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese is a winner for a few key reasons. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors is incredibly satisfying. The honey garlic butter sauce adds a depth of flavor that elevates the mac and cheese from ordinary to extraordinary. This dish hits all the right notes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you are looking for Protein Meals, this is a great choice. Speaking of flavor, you might also enjoy the complex flavors in our Cheddar Chili Mac.
As for the creamy texture, the use of a roux as the base of the cheese sauce ensures a smooth and velvety consistency. The addition of heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended) takes it to the next level of indulgence. And let’s not forget the importance of freshly shredded cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
While this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese is a complete meal in itself, here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber.
- Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic!
- Dessert: A light and refreshing dessert, such as fruit salad or sorbet, is the perfect way to end this indulgent meal.
The Perfect Protein Solution
Let’s talk about protein! This recipe is packed with it, thanks to the chicken and the cheese. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This High Protein Dinner Recipes is a great way to get your daily dose of protein. In addition to this, you might also enjoy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine, another delicious way to get your protein in! And who could forget about Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles, another great Protein Recipes.
This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese isn’t just a delicious indulgence; it’s a well-rounded meal that provides essential nutrients. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, making it a winner in my book! The flavor combination is similar to Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese.
Storing and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and trust me, they’re even better the next day!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little milk or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky, honey-kissed bite! You’ve got this!
Can I use different types of cheese in the mac and cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even smoked gouda.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the honey garlic butter sauce for a vegetarian option.
How should I store and reheat leftovers of the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk or cream to restore creaminess.
What is the purpose of reserving pasta water when making the mac and cheese?
The starchy pasta water is ‘liquid gold’ and helps create a super creamy sauce. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Irresistible Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk whole or 2%
- ½ cup heavy cream optional
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
- Everything bagel seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream (if using) until the roux is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Gently fold the honey garlic butter chicken into the creamy mac and cheese.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
