Description

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delicious and hearty meal combining tender, flavorful chicken marinated in a blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs, cooked in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce. Paired with a creamy, homemade mac and cheese enriched with fresh mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, this dish offers a comforting and nourishing experience perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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

For Cooking the Chicken

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 large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to get an even sear on all sides.
Prepare Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and honey to the skillet with cooked chicken. Stir gently to combine and coat the chicken in the sauce. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, cooking for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle in freshly chopped parsley before removing from heat.
Make Mac & Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then incorporate grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to ensure all pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
Plate and Serve: Serve the honey garlic butter chicken alongside or atop the creamy mac and cheese. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired and enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor even more.
Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother, meltier mac and cheese sauce.
Cook the macaroni to al dente to avoid mushy pasta when combined with the sauce.
For a lower fat version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: high-protein chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy dinner recipe, stovetop chicken, garlic butter chicken