Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender, marinated chicken cooked in a sweet and garlicky butter glaze, served alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic. Perfect for a comforting dinner packed with protein and indulgent flavors, this recipe takes just 45 minutes to prepare and serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, add butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and mixture is smooth. Add the cooked elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is completely coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and serve the honey garlic butter chicken on top or beside it. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy warm for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but not more than 4 hours to avoid a mushy texture.
- You can substitute avocado oil with any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the creamiest, most flavorful mac & cheese.
- Cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your dietary preferences.
