Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, marinated chicken glazed with honey garlic butter and a creamy, cheesy macaroni side. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it balances rich proteins and indulgent flavors with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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
Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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 breast with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, cover the bowl, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or up to 4 hours for deeper seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and completely cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, add butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove the skillet 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 but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce. Next, add cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, followed by smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce and seasonings.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and top it with the honey garlic butter chicken or serve the chicken alongside the macaroni. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor and comfort.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Cook macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
- Use full-fat heavy cream and good-quality cheeses for the creamiest mac & cheese.
- Adjust honey quantity to increase or reduce sweetness in the chicken glaze.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herby freshness; omit if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
