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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Contains Gluten, Dairy, and Honey

Description

Easy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a warm, satisfying dish that pairs tender, garlic-infused chicken glazed in a sweet honey butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This quick and family-friendly meal offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering timeless comfort food that’s simple to make and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Mac & Cheese

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: paprika, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mac & Cheese: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional paprika to taste.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and a splash of water or chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly until it forms a glossy glaze.
  4. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the honey garlic butter sauce. Serve the chicken alongside or on top of a mound of creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Always use fresh garlic for the richest flavor.
  • Choose sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and taste.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Adjust butter quantity according to desired richness but do not skimp on it for flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, quick dinner, family-friendly, creamy mac & cheese, weeknight meal

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