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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese

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A comforting weeknight dinner featuring caramelized chicken in a honey-garlic glaze served over creamy mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1–1.25 lb / 450–570 g total)
  • 3 tbsp butter (plus extra for macaroni if making sauce from scratch)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
  • 2–3 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) macaroni pasta
  • 1½–2 cups cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep: pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Mince garlic and bring a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
  2. Cook pasta: add macaroni to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
  3. Garlic butter base: in a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2–3 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Brown the chicken: add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce heat if the butter smokes.
  5. Glaze with honey: lower heat to medium-low and drizzle honey evenly over the chicken. Spoon glaze over the breasts and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), about 2–4 more minutes.
  6. Make the mac and cheese: return the drained macaroni to the pot. Stir in the cheese sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water to reach a creamy consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Plate and finish: divide mac and cheese among plates. Place the honey garlic butter chicken on top and spoon any pan glaze over it. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Use a jarred cheese sauce for speed or make a quick homemade roux-based sauce. Adjust honey based on desired sweetness.

Find it online: https://www.mealbreeze.com/honey-garlic-butter-chicken-mac-and-cheese/