Description

A flavorful and satisfying High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken served with creamy homemade Mac & Cheese. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken cooked in a garlic and honey butter sauce, paired with a rich, cheesy macaroni that’s perfect for a hearty family meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Marinade

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

Cooking

3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Mac & Cheese

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Then stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to create a flavorful glaze, coating the chicken evenly.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté additional minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently over low-medium heat, allowing the cream to warm without boiling vigorously.
Melt the Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the warm cream, continuing to stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming a rich cheese sauce.
Cook the Pasta: While preparing the sauce, boil the elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water until al dente, usually for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce in the skillet and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

For extra protein, you can add cooked bacon or substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
Ensure not to overcook the macaroni to maintain a firm texture that holds up well in the sauce.
Adjust seasoning and honey sweetness according to your taste preference.
Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer sauce or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.