Name: High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

Description

A delicious and hearty meal featuring high protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy, flavorful mac & cheese. Perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are glazed with a honey garlic butter sauce, served alongside rich macaroni smothered in a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with a hint of smoked paprika and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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 the cubed chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
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 until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Add the butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter glaze. Once glazed, remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is completely coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Assemble & Serve: Plate the honey garlic butter chicken alongside or over the creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, protein-packed meal.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to prevent texture changes.
Use freshly grated cheeses to ensure better melting and creaminess in the mac & cheese.
Cooking macaroni al dente is crucial as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with hot cheese sauce.
Avocado oil is preferred for cooking the chicken due to its high smoke point, but other oils can be substituted.
Adjust salt and spices to your taste preference, especially if using salted butter or pre-seasoned cheeses.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American