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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk For this dish, I use elbow macaroni. It holds sauce well and cooks quickly. The chicken breast adds protein and a nice texture. I love using honey and garlic together for a sweet and savory kick. Sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, and milk makes the sauce creamy. - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To season, I use Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. I always adjust salt and pepper for taste. Chopped parsley makes a colorful garnish on top. It adds freshness and a nice pop of green. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick. After it's cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 10 minutes. It should be browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, in the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt completely. After that, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burned. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of honey. Cook it for about 2 more minutes until it starts to caramelize. This gives the sauce a rich, sweet flavor. With the sauce ready, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the honey garlic sauce until it is well coated. Remove the skillet from heat. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard over low heat. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Finally, mix in the cooked macaroni and the honey garlic chicken. Stir until everything is well combined. To make a smooth cheese sauce, start with low heat. Gradually add cheese while stirring. This keeps the cheese from clumping. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Pre-packaged cheese often has additives that can make it grainy. Whisk constantly to combine milk and cheese well. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk until you reach the desired creaminess. You can add spices to boost flavor. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for depth. A dash of garlic powder adds more garlic flavor. You can also mix in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste. For a fresh twist, add lemon zest or a splash of hot sauce. These small changes can elevate your dish. Presentation matters! Serve the mac and cheese in rustic bowls for a cozy feel. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top before serving. This adds a nice touch and a melty layer. Finish with fresh parsley for color. You can also drizzle a bit of the honey garlic sauce on top. This makes it look even more appetizing. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other meats or plant-based options. Try diced turkey for a leaner choice. Ground beef also adds a rich flavor. If you prefer plant-based, use chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up the honey garlic sauce well. For a seafood twist, shrimp can also be a tasty alternative. Just cook it until it turns pink. Not a fan of cheddar? You can use different cheeses. Gouda brings a creamy texture and a smoky taste. Monterey Jack melts well and gives a mild flavor. For a sharper bite, try blue cheese. You can even mix cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Just ensure you have enough melting cheese in the mix. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer elbow macaroni made from rice or corn. For dairy-free adaptations, choose plant-based milk and cheese. Coconut milk adds a nice creaminess. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. Always check labels to ensure they fit your needs. To store your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for best results. Place the leftovers in the fridge. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. To freeze, make sure it is completely cool. Transfer the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or on the stove. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry. In the fridge, your dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Enjoy your tasty meal with confidence! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the macaroni and chicken as per the recipe. - Prepare the honey garlic sauce and cheese sauce. - Combine everything but do not bake it. - Store in an airtight container in the fridge. - When ready to eat, bake it at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. To add some heat, try these ideas: - Mix in some red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. - Add diced jalapeños to the honey garlic sauce. - Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick. - Try a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce for added flavor. These options will spice up your mac and cheese wonderfully. Pair this mac and cheese with these sides: - A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. - Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. - Garlic bread for dipping into the cheese sauce. - Grilled corn on the cob for a sweet crunch. These sides will complement the rich flavors of your meal. Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese is a tasty and easy dish to make. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and seasoning tips. You can try different proteins or cheeses for variety. Storing leftovers is simple, too. This dish is both fun to cook and delicious on the table. Enjoy making it your own and share it with friends and family. Cooking is about experimenting and having fun!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese

Indulge in the creamy delight of Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese that will make dinner a hit! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, rich cheese, and a sweet garlic sauce that your family will love. In just 35 minutes, you can create a comforting meal bursting with flavor. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through for the full recipe and discover how to elevate your mac and cheese game!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 lb chicken breast, diced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

      Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the honey and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly caramelized.

        Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the honey garlic sauce. Remove from heat.

          Prepare Mac & Cheese Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the milk and Dijon mustard, heating on low. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

            Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni and honey garlic chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

              Serve: Transfer the mac & cheese to serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a rustic bowl and sprinkle some extra cheese and parsley on top for a delightful look.