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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup honey (preferably local) - 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) This dish is simple but packed with flavor. The honey and garlic make a great sauce for the chicken. The elbow macaroni adds a fun twist. You can even use local honey for a special touch. This is a quick meal that works for busy nights. You can serve it with a salad on the side. Enjoy the yummy taste while keeping it easy to make! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Boil a large pot of salted water. 2. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni. 3. Cook according to package directions until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse. 1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Add 1 lb of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. 3. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. 4. Sauté the chicken for 6-8 minutes. Cook until golden brown and fully done. 1. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. 2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and 3 minced garlic cloves. 3. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. 4. Pour in 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. 5. Stir to mix all the ingredients and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. 1. Put the chicken back into the skillet. Toss it in the honey garlic sauce. 2. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix everything well. 3. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors blend perfectly. 4. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve hot and enjoy! To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, start with bite-sized pieces. This helps cook the chicken evenly. Season the pieces well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté them in butter over medium heat. Cook until they turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure they don't stick. For cooking macaroni to al dente, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and follow the package directions. Check about a minute before the time is up. You want the pasta tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside without rinsing. This keeps the starch that helps the sauce stick. Using homemade or local honey gives the best flavor. Local honey adds a taste of your area and can be healthier. If you can, visit a local market for fresh honey. You can also add spice variations to your dish. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Add them when you mix the chicken with the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Pair your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac with side dishes or salads. A green salad with a light dressing works well. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for added color and nutrition. For creative presentation, serve the mac in bowls and top with green onions. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. You can also use a drizzle of honey on top for a sweet finish. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use Local Honey: Local honey can enhance the flavor of your dish and supports local beekeepers. It’s often richer in taste than mass-produced honey. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, always cook your elbow macaroni until al dente. This ensures it retains a slight bite and holds up well in the sauce. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more, or reduce it for a more savory flavor. Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the mix for added nutrition and color. {{image_4}} You can switch up your pasta by using gluten-free options like rice or chickpea pasta. This keeps the dish tasty for those with gluten issues. For chicken, try using tofu or shrimp instead. Tofu absorbs flavors well, and shrimp cooks quickly. Both options can give you a fun twist. If you're dairy-free, just skip the cheese. The dish stays delicious without it. For a low-sugar option, consider using agave syrup or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey. Both will still give you that sweet taste without the sugar rush. Changing the sauce can change the whole dish. Swap honey garlic for teriyaki or barbecue sauce for a new flavor. You can also add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. This not only adds nutrition but also makes the dish more colorful and fun. To keep your Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. - Place leftovers in airtight containers. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy your meal later without losing flavor. You can reheat your dish using two methods: - Stovetop: Place the mac in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth. Heat on low until warm. Stir often to keep it moist. - Microwave: Put the mac in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Both methods keep the texture and taste great! If you want to save some for later, freezing works well: - Portion the mac into single servings. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. - Label them with the date. Freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. Enjoy your meal anytime! If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add sweetness. You can also use brown sugar mixed with water for a similar taste. Each option gives a unique twist, so pick what you like best! You can store Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat later. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the macaroni and chicken, then store them separately. When ready to eat, just combine and heat them together. This saves time for busy days! This dish is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor from the honey and garlic. If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to spice it up. Adjust the heat to match your taste! This dish combines simple ingredients to create a tasty meal. We talked about cooking elbow macaroni and chicken, then making a sweet sauce. I shared tips on flavoring and serving your dish. You can even change ingredients for different tastes. Overall, this recipe is easy and perfect for any meal. Prepare, enjoy, and impress your family with your skills!

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken coated in a honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 1/2 cup honey (preferably local)
  • 1 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and set aside, making sure not to rinse.
  • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the freshly minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey garlic sauce until it is evenly coated and glistening.
  • Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and gently mix everything together, ensuring that the pasta is fully coated in the delicious sauce. Allow the dish to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld harmoniously.
  • Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your creamy chicken mac with sliced green onions and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Keyword butter, chicken, honey garlic, pasta