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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish combining tender chicken glazed in a rich honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, this recipe uses simple pantry staples to deliver a sweet and savory flavor blend that appeals to all ages and is easy to prepare and clean up.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

For the Mac & Cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened. Add shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce and keep warm.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in honey and a splash of water or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the honey garlic butter sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to glaze in the sauce for a minute or two. Plate the chicken alongside or over a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Do not overcook macaroni; keep it slightly firm to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
  • Toast garlic gently to avoid bitterness and maintain a sweet, mellow sauce.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
  • Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes to retain juices before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-cheese/