Why Make This Recipe
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with creamy macaroni and cheese. High in protein and rich in flavors, this meal is perfect for those looking for a comforting and wholesome recipe. The sweetness of honey and the richness of butter create a delicious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for family dinners or meal prep!
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, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit 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’s fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low, then 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 more 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 bubble gently.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent it from 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 it warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Serve this dish warm and enjoy it right away for the best flavor. You can plate the chicken alongside a generous scoop of mac and cheese. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
To store, let the dish cool completely. Place it in airtight containers and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to four days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just be sure to reheat thoroughly.
Tips to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- For added crunch, top with breadcrumbs before serving.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables, such as spinach or peas, to the mac and cheese for extra nutrients. You could also substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives if you want to make it dairy-free. Adjust the recipe accordingly.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
A delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with creamy macaroni and cheese, high in protein and rich in flavors, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Reduce heat, stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley, and coat the chicken.
- Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into airtight containers for meal prep.
Notes
Adjust honey based on sweetness preference. For added crunch, top with breadcrumbs before serving. Customize with vegetables like spinach or peas.