High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter pairs beautifully with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons butter (for mac & cheese)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (for mac & cheese)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
• ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for mac & cheese)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder (for mac & cheese)
• 2 teaspoons salt (for mac & cheese)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (for mac & cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 other ingredients.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Lower the heat, then stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Allow the butter and honey to melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat to deglaze the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to gently bubble. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors properly.
7. Step 7: Serve the honey garlic butter chicken alongside or over the creamy mac & cheese. Enjoy warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a subtle heat.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor in the mac & cheese.
• Swap avocado oil with coconut oil for a slightly different taste and a richer aroma.
• To make it lower carb, serve the chicken over steamed vegetables instead of macaroni.

Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and best flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish stores well and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy, cheesy macaroni base. Marinated chicken breasts are cooked in a honey garlic butter sauce and served alongside a rich mac & cheese infused with garlic and smoked paprika, making it a perfect family-friendly meal packed with protein and flavor.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking the Chicken

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil or oil of choice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Mac & Cheese

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
• ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors while preparing other ingredients.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and lightly browned. Lower the heat to low, then add butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Stir until the butter and honey melt and coat the chicken evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat to deglaze the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble lightly.
4. Melt the Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent it from becoming mushy.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Serve & Store: Plate the honey garlic butter chicken alongside or on top of the creamy mac & cheese. Enjoy immediately or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken briefly helps intensify the flavors – don’t skip this step.
• You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or shells.
• For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cheese or substituting half the heavy cream with milk.
• Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken or curdling the cheese sauce.
• Adding extra chopped parsley at the end brightens the dish and adds a fresh aroma.

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, high protein dinner, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, easy weeknight meal