Description
A delicious high-protein meal featuring tender, marinated chicken cooked with honey garlic butter, served alongside rich, cheesy macaroni. This dish combines bold flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
3 chicken breasts, cubed2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
3 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Mac & Cheese:
2 tablespoon butter4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Reduce heat to low, then stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow the mixture to melt and coat the chicken thoroughly, then set aside.
- Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve & Store: Serve warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or cheese sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 450g)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
