Description

This comforting and indulgent meal combines juicy, buttery chicken glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this dish is easy to make yet feels special enough for any occasion. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Mac & Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in honey and soy sauce until well combined. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Sprinkle chopped parsley over chicken before serving.
Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring until smooth.
Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Sprinkle Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and slightly richer flavor.
Add roasted vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.
For baked mac and cheese, top with breadcrumbs and broil until golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes