PERFECT HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

Imagine the intoxicating aroma of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and rich butter swirling together, coating tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, cheesy embrace. This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese isn’t just comfort food; it’s an experience, and I promise you’re about to create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone begging for more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Crafting the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.

Mastering the Mac and Cheese

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
7. Add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, one cup at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

Bringing It All Together

1. Gently fold the honey garlic butter chicken into the mac and cheese. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the chicken pieces intact.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Secret Sauce for Success: My Top Tips

Listen, I know this recipe looks like it has a few steps, but trust me, each one is easy and contributes massively to the final flavor explosion. Here are some of my personal tricks to make it even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Nobody likes dry chicken! Make sure you’re cooking it just until it’s cooked through. Using an instant-read thermometer is your best friend here – aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Garlic is Gold, But Burned Garlic is Bad: Keep a close eye on that garlic while it’s cooking in the butter. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin your sauce. Low and slow is the way to go.
• Cheese, Please! Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Salt to Taste: This is SO important. Taste your cheese sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s palate is different!
• Pasta Perfection: Al dente pasta is key. It should be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the cheese sauce.

Variations to Make it Your Own

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes to the honey garlic butter sauce, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrients.
• Smoked Cheese: Use smoked cheddar or gouda for a smoky flavor twist.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for a few minutes.
• Cream Cheese: Add 2-4 ounces of cream cheese to the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve With Your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

This dish is pretty rich and filling on its own, so you don’t need a lot of sides. Here are a few suggestions that will complement the flavors without being too heavy:

• Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy side dishes.
• Garlic Bread: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, some crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition.

Make-Ahead Magic: Tips for Preparing in Advance

Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how you can prep this dish in advance:

• The Chicken: You can cook the chicken and make the honey garlic butter sauce a day ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then combine them when you’re ready to assemble the mac and cheese.
• The Cheese Sauce: The cheese sauce can also be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and then gently reheat it on the stovetop before adding the pasta. You may need to add a splash of milk to thin it out.
• Assembly: You can fully assemble the mac and cheese a few hours before baking (if you choose to bake it – it’s delicious either way). Cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Storing and Reheating Like a Pro

Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese:

• Storing: Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, add a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out. For the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Why I Love This Recipe (and You Will Too!)

Honestly, this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or anytime you’re craving something comforting and delicious. The combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors is simply irresistible, and the fact that it’s relatively easy to make is just a bonus. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’re going to absolutely love it! Happy cooking!