High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts cooked in a rich honey garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. The savory notes of smoked paprika and garlic powder enhance both the chicken and pasta, while fresh parsley adds a bright finish. Ideal for a hearty family meal or a satisfying dinner any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
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
- 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 cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken pieces. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat to medium, add butter and honey to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce coats the chicken evenly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce: In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
- Cheese the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the cream mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Mac & Cheese: Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well until all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the mac & cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can refrigerate it for up to 4 hours.
- Cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once combined with the sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier outcome.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or mac & cheese seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: high-protein chicken, honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, skillet chicken, stovetop recipe, comforting dinner