Description

If you love the cozy combo of tender chicken and rich, cheesy macaroni—but also want a protein-packed, satisfying meal—you’ve just hit the jackpot. This recipe turns classic comfort food into a flavorful, nutritious feast. The chicken is glazed in a sweet, garlicky butter sauce, while the mac & cheese is creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or treating yourself to a soul-satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

6 chicken breasts, cubed (or thighs for extra juiciness)
4 tbsp olive oil
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp dried parsley (or oregano/thyme)
4 tsp salt & 1 tsp black pepper

For Cooking the Chicken:

6 tbsp avocado oil (or high-smoke-point oil)
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

For the Creamy Mac & Cheese:

4 tbsp butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups heavy cream (or 2 cups cream + 2 cups milk for lighter version)
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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

Tips & Variations

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 610cal Per Serving
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 42g