Description
A savory and satisfying dish featuring tender honey garlic butter chicken paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy mac & cheese. This high-protein meal is packed with flavor from smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh parsley, making it a comforting yet nutritious option for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 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
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
For the 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
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to glaze the chicken evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Add the cooked elbow macaroni along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the pasta thoroughly with the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and serve the honey garlic chicken either over or beside it. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, if desired, for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavor.
- Ensure macaroni is cooked al dente to avoid over-softness in the final dish.
- You can substitute mozzarella with any mild melting cheese if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor impact.
