Description
This dish brings together juicy, protein-packed chicken coated in a sticky honey-garlic-butter sauce, paired with a creamy, cheesy mac & cheese base. It’s comfort food that’s also satisfying and filling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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500 g (about 1.1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
For the Mac & Cheese
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200 g (about 7 oz) macaroni or small pasta
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1½ cups milk (whole or semi-skim)
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2 tbsp butter
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup cottage cheese (or cream cheese for extra creaminess)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
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Chopped parsley or chives
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Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
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Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
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Drain and set aside.
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Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the milk and gently heat without boiling.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar and cottage (or cream) cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add Dijon mustard if using, and season with salt and pepper.
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Mix in the cooked pasta so it’s well-coated.
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Cook the Chicken
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Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (~5–7 minutes).
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Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Stir in the honey and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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If using, stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
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Combine Chicken with Sauce
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey-garlic butter sauce.
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Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
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Serve
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Spoon a generous portion of the creamy mac & cheese into bowls.
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Top with the honey garlic butter chicken.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
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Notes
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Use moderate heat when making the honey-garlic sauce to avoid burning the garlic.
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Stir the cheese sauce gently to prevent it from becoming grainy.
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Let the sauce reduce just enough to thicken — it continues to thicken as it cools.
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If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of milk or water.