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why make this recipe
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of sweet honey and rich garlic butter with tender chicken and creamy cheese pasta. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for those looking to fuel their bodies while enjoying a comforting dish. It’s a great way to bring the family together for a hearty dinner or to meal prep for the week ahead.
how to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Serve & Store: Enjoy the dish warm or divide it into four airtight containers for meal prep.
how to serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. You can pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also works great as a hearty lunchtime option, either heated or cold.
how to store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the mac and cheese seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating.
tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for longer if you have time.
- Use a mix of different cheeses for a richer flavor in the mac and cheese.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste – add more smoked paprika or garlic if you love those flavors!
variation
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free alternative.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the mac and cheese for added nutrition and color.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness.
Is there a dairy-free option for the mac and cheese?
You can use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version of this dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and mac and cheese in separate containers. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
A delicious and protein-packed meal that combines sweet honey, rich garlic butter, tender chicken, and creamy mac & cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Ingredients
- 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)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.
- Make the mac & cheese: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Serve & store: Enjoy the dish warm or divide it into four airtight containers for meal prep.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken longer. Use a mix of cheeses for richer flavor. Adjust spices to your taste.