Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a deliciously rich and satisfying meal combining tender, flavorful chicken glazed in a sweet honey garlic butter sauce with a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe marries the smoky spices and savory garlic of the chicken with the velvety, cheesy pasta for an irresistible comfort food experience.

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

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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 well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning 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 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 just to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to combine and coat the pasta with the creamy cheese sauce.
Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and arrange the honey garlic butter chicken on top or alongside. Garnish with extra freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, high-protein meal.

Notes

Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture after mixing with the cheese sauce.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
Adjust the amount of honey for sweetness according to your preference.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety.