Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese isn’t just comfort food — it’s your favorite cheat meal made smarter. Juicy, spice-marinated chicken is seared to golden perfection, then glazed in a buttery honey garlic sauce that’s equal parts savory and sweet. Paired with a rich, ultra-creamy mac and cheese infused with smoky paprika and real cheddar, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and fuel. Whether you’re meal-prepping or planning a cozy dinner, this high-protein dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
6 chicken breasts, cubed
4 tablespoons olive oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
6 tablespoons avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Mac & Cheese:
4 tablespoons butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella
1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
24 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional twist: add a handful of baby spinach to the mac for color and nutrients or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, spices, and herbs. Mix well and let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Reduce heat, add butter and honey, and toss to glaze. Finish with fresh parsley and set aside.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently, then add both cheeses, stirring until smooth.
Combine with Pasta: Fold the cheese sauce into cooked macaroni. Stir until creamy and well coated.
Serve It Up: Plate a generous scoop of mac & cheese and top with honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with more parsley or an extra sprinkle of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 / Serving
- Sugar: 6g / Serving
- Fat: 34g / Serving
- Carbohydrates: 36g / Serving
- Fiber: 2g / Serving
- Protein: 45g / Serving