Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a rich, satisfying meal packed with flavor and comfort. Tender chicken bites are marinated and pan-seared in a savory honey garlic butter glaze, then served alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Balanced with protein and flavor, it’s a family favorite in the making.

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

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
Cook the Chicken:
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
Add butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Stir to coat chicken in the glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Mac & Cheese:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and smooth.
Add cooked macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat completely.
Assemble & Serve:
Serve the honey garlic chicken over or beside the creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

For added veggies, stir in steamed broccoli or spinach into the mac & cheese.
Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken.
Use high-protein pasta to boost protein content further.
This recipe reheats well for meal prep or leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American