Description
A delicious and protein-packed dish featuring tender chicken coated in honey garlic butter, served with creamy macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, reduce the heat to low, then add butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Stir everything until melted, and then set it aside.
- Make the mac & cheese: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter (if needed) and sauté the minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes. After that, pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a bubble.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, along with a little more smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend it all together until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve the creamy mac and cheese topped with the honey garlic butter chicken.
Notes
Pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken, mac and cheese, honey garlic, high-protein, family meal, easy recipe