Description

This recipe combines high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese for a comforting yet satisfying meal. It’s a flavor-forward upgrade to classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeks and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:
6 chicken breasts, cubed
4 tbsp olive oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsp smoked paprika
4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley
4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
6 tbsp avocado oil
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp honey
4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
For the Creamy Mac & Cheese:
4 tbsp butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella
1 cup freshly grated cheddar
24 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
4 tsp smoked paprika
4 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let sit 15–30 minutes at room temperature. For prep ahead, refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni al dente, drain, and set aside. Don’t rinse—the starch helps the sauce stick.
Sear the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.
Make the Honey Garlic Butter Glaze: Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in honey. Add cooked chicken and chopped parsley, tossing to coat. Remove from heat.
Make the Creamy Mac & Cheese: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic 60 seconds. Add cream and simmer gently. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in mozzarella and cheddar until smooth. Stir in paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked pasta and mix until fully coated.
Serve: Plate a generous portion of mac & cheese, top with honey garlic butter chicken, drizzle extra glaze, and garnish with parsley or smoked paprika. Optional: add a pinch of red chili flakes for heat.

Notes

Protein Boost: Stir in ½ cup Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into the mac & cheese.
Veggie Boost: Fold in 2 cups spinach or steamed broccoli before serving.
Crispy Topping: Add turkey bacon crumbles or baked pancetta.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the garlic when making the sauce.
Herbal Flair: Swap parsley for chives or thyme.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Pan-Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 610
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Unsaturated Fat: N/A
Trans Fat: N/A
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: N/A
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: N/A

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