Description
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the traditional comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory garlic butter sauce. This dish is not just about satisfying your hunger; it also provides an explosion of flavors and textures that makes every bite irresistible. The creamy cheese enveloping the perfectly cooked macaroni, paired with the tender chicken glazed in honey and garlic, creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
1. Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let this marinate for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through with a golden-brown exterior. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the butter, honey, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and the chicken is coated in the sweet, buttery glaze, then set aside.
3. In a pot, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. After cooking, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside until you’re ready to add it to the cheese sauce.
4. Using the same skillet that cooked the chicken, melt 2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat to deglaze the pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream into the skillet and let it come to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta evenly. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Plate the creamy mac and cheese onto serving dishes and top each portion generously with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with additional chopped parsley.
Notes
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving the best flavor in your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese. Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish’s aroma, while good-quality cheeses create that beloved creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 1200 milligrams
- Fat: 45 grams
- Saturated Fat: 20 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 milligrams