Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter glaze, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni that’s seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic for extra flavor. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines protein-packed chicken with rich, comforting mac & cheese for a delightful, hearty meal ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 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
Chicken Cooking & Glaze
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
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 the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Add butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken 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 sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked elbow macaroni along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the honey garlic butter chicken on top of or beside the creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor intensities.
- Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente as it will continue to soften slightly in the cheese sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper.
