Description
Forget boring chicken dinners! This honey garlic butter situation with creamy mac and cheese alongside is what comfort food dreams are made of. One bite and you’ll be adding this to your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for mac & cheese)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, basting occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese blend, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve honey garlic butter chicken over or alongside mac & cheese. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with parsley.