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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) For this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac, we need a few simple ingredients. First, the elbow macaroni serves as the base. You’ll need one pound of diced chicken breast for protein. Butter gives the dish a rich flavor, while minced garlic adds a nice kick. Honey brings sweetness, and soy sauce gives it a savory depth. Apple cider vinegar adds a bit of tang. Smoked paprika gives a smoky touch. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Make sure to gather chopped green onions for garnish and Parmesan cheese if you want a cheesy finish. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook elbow macaroni perfectly, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and stir it well. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes. Taste a piece to check if it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to shake off the excess water. Set it aside for later use. For the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter melts, add the diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be cooked all the way through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, it’s time for the honey garlic sauce. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. After the garlic is fragrant, stir in 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Mix it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss it in the honey garlic sauce until it gets a nice coat. Next, add the elbow macaroni to the skillet. Mix everything together gently. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors can meld. When finished, remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and grated Parmesan if desired. To get the best results, follow these cooking times and temperatures: - Cook elbow macaroni for about 8-10 minutes. Test for doneness. - Sauté chicken for 6-8 minutes over medium heat until golden brown. - Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to thicken properly. For the sauce, aim for a nice, thick texture. Stir the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar until smooth. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water. I recommend using a non-stick skillet. This type helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy. When sautéing, heat your skillet before adding chicken. This step locks in flavor. Cook in batches if your skillet is small. This way, each piece gets a nice sear. Watch out for undercooked chicken. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut it to check; it should be white inside. Also, avoid overcooking pasta. Cook until just al dente, as it will soften further in the sauce. Drain it well to prevent sogginess. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Use elbow macaroni for the best texture, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape if desired. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through and golden by not overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce after simmering and adjust the honey to your preferred level of sweetness. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and flavor; consider adding sesame seeds for an extra crunch. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap regular elbow macaroni for gluten-free macaroni. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. This keeps the creamy texture while being safe for those with gluten allergies. Adding veggies is a smart way to boost nutrition. You can mix in peas, bell peppers, or broccoli. These veggies add color and crunch to the dish. Just cook them with the chicken for a few minutes to soften them slightly. If you want to switch up the protein, consider shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Just cube it and sauté it until golden. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. To keep your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container to avoid moisture loss. Storing in smaller containers helps it cool down faster. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three days. When you reheat, do it gently. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. This keeps the flavors bright and tasty. You can freeze unused portions for later. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Be sure to label them with the date. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. This helps maintain the best taste and texture. To add heat, try these ideas: - Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch while cooking the chicken. - Hot sauce: Drizzle some into the sauce. Start small and taste. - Sriracha: Mix a spoonful with the honey sauce for a spicy kick. These options let you control the heat level. Enjoy experimenting! Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken: Sauté and store it in the fridge. - Prepare the sauce: Make the honey garlic sauce early. Just reheat it later. - Cook pasta: You can cook the macaroni and chill it. Toss it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. When you're ready to eat, just combine everything in a skillet and heat through. For a balanced meal, consider these side dishes: - Steamed broccoli: Adds color and nutrients. - Garden salad: Fresh greens can brighten the meal. - Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up any sauce. These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken mac. Enjoy your meal! This recipe for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You learned how to cook the macaroni, sauté chicken, and make a rich sauce. Remember to avoid common mistakes and follow the tips for the best results. You can also make fun variations, like adding veggies or switching proteins. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable with the right guidance. Give this dish a try, and impress your family with your cooking skills.

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, mixing well. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the honey garlic sauce until well-coated.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and Parmesan cheese if using. Serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, pasta