Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup milk - Salt and pepper - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped First, season the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. The chicken should turn golden brown. Check that it's fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great. Then, add honey and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to mix well. Let this sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This makes the sauce thicken slightly. After that, return the chicken to the skillet. Coat each piece well with the honey garlic sauce. Simmer for an extra 2 minutes to soak in the flavor. While the chicken simmers, boil a pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to the package. It should be al dente. Drain the macaroni when done and set aside. In the same pot, pour in the milk. Add the drained macaroni back in. Stir in the cheddar cheese and paprika. Mix until the cheese melts and turns creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the right creaminess. Slice the honey garlic butter chicken. Serve it next to the cheesy macaroni. Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped parsley on top. It adds a nice touch! {{ingredient_image_1}} To ensure juicy chicken, start by seasoning it well. Use salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for the right texture. Aim for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white with no pink inside. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it moist. For creamy mac and cheese, you can adjust the milk amount. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed. Use shredded cheese for easy melting. Sharp cheddar works best for flavor. When cooking the cheese, keep the heat low. Stir often to prevent burning. If the cheese does not melt completely, add a splash of milk. This will help create that perfect creamy texture. To store leftover Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac, follow these tips: - Let the dish cool down first. - Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. - Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken moist and the macaroni creamy. Freezing this dish is easy if you do it right: - Cut the chicken into smaller pieces. This helps it freeze well. - Place the chicken and macaroni in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. To reheat, follow these steps for the best texture: - Thaw in the fridge overnight. - Warm it in a pan over medium-low heat. - Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal later! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce, making it more aromatic and delicious. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. You can also use maple syrup for a different flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors in your mac and cheese. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat before slicing. {{image_2}} Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add more flavor and stay juicy. Just cook them until they reach 165°F. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes per side. How long should I cook the chicken for? Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken needs to be fully cooked to 165°F for safety. Is the recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free. The soy sauce contains gluten. You can use gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute. This change makes the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk. This swap keeps the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. What side dishes pair well with Honey Garlic Butter Chicken? This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. How to serve for a dinner party? For a dinner party, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Serve the macaroni and cheese in a separate bowl. This makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. Garnish with parsley for a nice touch. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with macaroni and cheese. You learned about key ingredients, seasoning tips, and step-by-step instructions for cooking. We also explored variations to suit your taste and smart storage practices to keep leftovers fresh. My final thought: this dish is easy, fun, and perfect for family meals. Enjoy the cooking process and make this your go-to recipe!$

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Honey Garlic Butter Chicken recipe paired with creamy macaroni cheese. This easy chicken mac and cheese combines tender chicken glazed in a sweet honey garlic sauce with a comforting side of cheesy elbow macaroni. Perfect for quick dinner recipes, this meal is sure to impress! Save this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love! #HoneyGarlicChicken #EasyDinner #MacAndCheese #ChickenRecipes

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece well with the honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes.

Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Mac and Cheese: In the same pot (now empty), return the macaroni and pour in the milk. Stir in the cheddar cheese and paprika, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash more milk to reach desired creaminess.

Combine and Serve: Slice the honey garlic butter chicken and serve alongside the cheesy macaroni, drizzled with additional honey garlic sauce from the skillet.

Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2