Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken marinated in savory spices and honey with a rich, creamy mac & cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting yet protein-packed meal ready in just 45 minutes.
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, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, 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 and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Once done, add butter, honey, and chopped parsley to the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. 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 mozzarella and cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add the cooked elbow macaroni along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and serve the honey garlic butter chicken on top or alongside it. Garnish with extra freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor; try to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook macaroni al dente as it will absorb more sauce and retain texture.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred for a juicier result.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
