Description

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese creates a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated with smoky spices and coated in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, served alongside a rich, cheesy pasta. It’s a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness that comes together quickly for a homemade feast.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Marinade:

3 chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking the Chicken:

3 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice
2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Mac & Cheese:

2 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes for maximum flavor.
You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or basil for variation.
Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 850 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 50 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 70 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg