Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal with a nutritious twist. Juicy, flavorful chicken meets rich, cheesy pasta for a dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

This recipe has become my go-to when I need to impress dinner guests while still keeping things nutritious. I first created it during a busy work week when I wanted something that would provide leftovers, and it's been on regular rotation in my household ever since.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Marinade: Chicken breasts cubed for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption
• Olive oil creates a beautiful base for the marinade and helps tenderize
• Garlic minced fresh for that irreplaceable aromatic punch
• Smoked paprika adds a deep smoky dimension look for high quality Spanish varieties
• Garlic powder reinforces the garlic flavor throughout
• Dried parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note
• Salt enhances all flavors choose kosher salt for best results
• Black pepper freshly ground delivers the most vibrant flavor

• For Cooking the Chicken: Avocado oil has a high smoke point perfect for searing chicken
• Butter creates richness and helps develop a beautiful glaze
• Honey adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

• Mac & Cheese: Butter forms the base of your cheese sauce
• Garlic minced fresh elevates this mac and cheese beyond basic
• Heavy cream creates an irresistibly rich sauce
• Mozzarella cheese freshly grated melts beautifully for stretch
• Cheddar cheese adds that classic sharp mac and cheese flavor
• Elbow macaroni the traditional choice that captures sauce in its curves
• Smoked paprika echoes the chicken seasoning for flavor continuity
• Garlic powder adds depth without the texture of more fresh garlic
• Salt enhances the cheese flavors choose fine sea salt
• Black pepper adds subtle heat and dimension

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken

Combine cubed chicken with olive oil and all seasonings in a large bowl, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes this short marination time actually works perfectly because the small chicken pieces absorb flavor quickly, and the olive oil helps tenderize the meat while you prep other ingredients.

Cook the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium heat until it just starts to smoke, then add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow them to develop a golden crust before stirring, about 3 minutes per side. Continue cooking for the full 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and has developed beautiful caramelization. Add butter, honey and parsley at the very end, tossing quickly to create a glossy, flavorful coating that clings to every piece.

Make the Mac & Cheese

In the same skillet used for chicken, add butter and let it melt while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the chicken this deglazing process incorporates incredible flavor into your sauce. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it as bitter garlic will ruin your sauce. Pour heavy cream in a steady stream while whisking continuously to create a smooth base.

Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat to low and add both cheeses gradually, stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion to ensure even melting and prevent clumping. Sprinkle in seasonings and continue stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and coats the back of a spoon beautifully. This gradual melting process creates the silkiest texture possible.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding pasta. Cook the pasta about 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot cheese sauce. Drain promptly and rinse quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent mushy pasta.

Combine

Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally this final step allows the pasta to absorb some sauce and develop deeper flavor. The sauce will thicken slightly to the perfect consistency that clings to the pasta.

Serve & Store

Plate immediately for a family dinner or portion into meal prep containers with the chicken for convenient, balanced meals throughout the week. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead option.

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The smoked paprika is absolutely non-negotiable in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when making this dish for my brother who claimed to "hate" chicken dishes. The depth it adds converted him instantly, and now he requests this specific meal whenever he visits. That smoky note creates a gourmet restaurant quality that belies how simple this dish is to prepare.

Meal Prep Magic

This recipe shines even brighter as a meal prep option. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making day two and three even more delicious than when freshly made. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the mac and cheese to restore its creamy consistency, and microwave at 70% power to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Customization Options

This versatile recipe welcomes thoughtful modifications. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half and half or whole milk thickened with a roux. The cheese can be adjusted to your preference – try adding a bit of smoky gouda or sharp provolone for complexity. For a vegetable boost, consider stirring in frozen peas, roasted broccoli florets, or diced red peppers during the final combining step.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an elegant presentation, place the creamy mac and cheese on the plate first, then arrange the glazed chicken pieces on top, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. If serving for a gathering, keep warm in a slow cooker on the lowest setting for up to 2 hours.

The Health Balance

While undeniably indulgent, this recipe offers a surprisingly balanced nutritional profile. The protein-rich chicken satisfies hunger effectively, and the portion control inherent in meal prepping prevents overindulgence. For additional nutrition, whole wheat pasta can replace traditional, adding fiber without compromising the comfort food experience. The fat content, while present, comes largely from quality dairy sources that provide necessary nutrients alongside their rich flavor.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully as a substitute for chicken breasts in this dish. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier, though cooking time might be slightly longer to ensure they're fully cooked.

→ How long can I store this meal in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in airtight containers, this honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it excellent for meal prep.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

While the chicken freezes well, the mac and cheese may change texture slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. If freezing, store components separately and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in the mac and cheese?

For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won't be as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk provides similar creaminess, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking the mac and cheese to preserve their nutrients and texture while incorporating more balanced nutrition.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade, a dash of cayenne pepper to the mac and cheese sauce, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.