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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe with Perfect Creamy Mac and Cheese

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Tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sticky honey garlic butter sauce served alongside warm, gooey creamy mac and cheese for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure the flavors are well absorbed.
  7. Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  8. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
  9. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
  10. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, stirring until evenly coated.

Notes

[‘Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a golden crust.’, ‘Whisk continuously when making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.’, ‘Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust seasoning as needed.’, ‘Start cooking the macaroni while the chicken is searing to save time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/honey-garlic-butter-chicken-recipe-with-perfect-creamy-mac-and-cheese/