Go Back
- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey - 1 cup chicken broth The main ingredients make this dish rich and flavorful. The elbow macaroni serves as a great base, while the chicken adds protein. Butter and garlic create a lovely aroma and taste. Honey brings sweetness, and chicken broth adds depth. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The cheese blend gives this mac and cheese its creamy texture. Cream cheese makes it rich, while cheddar adds sharpness. Smoked paprika enhances the flavor, and salt and pepper balance everything. Together, they make each bite delicious. - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced Green onions add a fresh crunch. They also give a pop of color. This simple garnish makes each bowl look great and tastes even better. Plus, it brightens the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. - Cook until al dente, as per package instructions. - Drain and set aside. - Dice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. - Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the chicken to the skillet and brown for 5-7 minutes. - Remove the chicken and set it aside. - In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. - Pour in 1/4 cup of honey and 1 cup of chicken broth. - Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. - Lower the heat and return the cooked macaroni and chicken to the skillet. - Stir in 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. - Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted. - Taste the mac and cheese and adjust salt and pepper as needed. - If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of chicken broth. - Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sliced green onions on top. - Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors! - Tips for al dente pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water. Follow the package time, but check a minute early. You want a slight bite. - How to avoid sticky mac and cheese: After draining, rinse the macaroni quickly with cold water. This stops cooking and helps prevent sticking. - Adjusting sweetness: Start with the honey in the sauce. Taste as you go. If it's too sweet, add a bit more broth to balance it. - Thickening or thinning the sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. - Choosing the best cheeses: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and cream cheese. The cheddar gives flavor, while cream cheese brings creaminess. - How to get creamy textures: Add the cheeses slowly over low heat. Stir constantly until melted for that perfect creamy texture. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the elbow macaroni until al dente for the perfect texture. This will help it hold up in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to pre-minced options. It adds a fragrant aroma and a depth of flavor to your dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the green onions! They provide a fresh crunch and a burst of color that elevates the dish both visually and in flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp works well. Just sauté it until it turns pink. Beef is another option. Use ground beef or diced steak for a hearty twist. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, try using mushrooms or chickpeas. Both options add great texture and flavor. I love to play with different cheeses. Try using mozzarella for a stretchy effect. Gouda adds a nice smokiness. For a sharp bite, add some blue cheese. You can mix cheeses too, creating a unique blend. Adding spices like pepper jack can bring a spicy kick. Spices can change the dish's flavor. Garlic powder enhances the garlic taste. Onion powder can add a sweet depth. Dried herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat if you like spice. To store leftovers, let your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last about 3-4 days. When you want to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth. This helps restore creaminess. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove. Stir it often to warm evenly. You can freeze mac and cheese safely. After it cools, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it expands when frozen. Label the containers with the date. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place it in cold water. Reheat it on the stove or microwave. Add a bit of broth if needed. To maintain texture and flavor, avoid freezing it with toppings like green onions. Add them fresh when serving. When stored properly, the dish keeps its taste and texture well. In the fridge, it lasts about 3-4 days. In the freezer, expect 2-3 months of good quality. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. To make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Check the labels for other ingredients, like chicken broth, to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook it fully and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the oven. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. If you want a bit of crunch, try some garlic bread on the side. These sides balance the creamy mac and cheese well. To adjust the servings, simply multiply or divide the ingredients. For example, if you want to serve eight, double all the ingredients. If you need to serve two, halve them. Keep in mind that cooking times may change slightly with different amounts. Absolutely! Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. You can stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas. Just make sure to cook them before mixing them with the mac and cheese. This adds color and makes the dish more filling. This blog post covered how to make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese. We explored key ingredients, stepped through the cooking process, and discussed tips for making it perfect. I shared variations for proteins and cheeses to suit your taste. Remember, it’s easy to store leftovers while maintaining flavor. With the right adjustments, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and the sweet garlic flavor. Dive into this recipe and make it a family favorite today!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese

A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese dish with honey garlic butter chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the honey and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Lower the heat and add the cooked macaroni and chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until all the ingredients are well combined and the cheese is melted.
  • Taste the mac and cheese, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. If you desire a creamier consistency, add a splash of additional chicken broth.
  • Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and burst of color. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

For a creamier consistency, add more chicken broth as desired.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, mac and cheese