Description

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that merges the universally loved mac and cheese with the sweet and savory notes of honey garlic chicken. It’s an easy recipe that promises to become a favorite at dinner time.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pound chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
12 ounce elbow macaroni
2 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Start by taking a large bowl and combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece of chicken is well coated. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the marinated chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through. Once it’s done, reduce the heat to low and add butter, honey, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well to meld the flavors and create a glistening glaze for the chicken. Then, set it aside!
Let it Rest: Don’t rush this step! Allowing the chicken to rest and soak up the flavors of the marinade is essential. This makes each bite of chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent it from cooking further. Set it aside for later use!
Make the Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt butter over medium heat to deglaze the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it becomes golden and fragrant. This step infuses the cheese sauce with a rich garlic flavor.
Combine Cheese and Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and wait for it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheese, along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth—a true comfort in every scoop!
Combine Chicken with Mac and Cheese: Once your cheese sauce is ready, gently fold in the cooked macaroni until thoroughly coated in that luxurious cheese sauce. Then, add the honey garlic butter chicken into the mix, ensuring an even distribution so every bite comes packed with flavor. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Consider topping your dish with additional chopped parsley, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, or even a little more grated cheese before serving.

Pair it with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness of the dish.

Serve with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea—both complement the flavors beautifully!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 120mg