why make this recipe

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is not just any meal; it’s a hearty combination that brings comfort and nutrition together in one dish. The chicken is packed with protein, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain or build muscle. The honey garlic butter adds a sweet and savory glaze that makes the chicken irresistible. And who can resist creamy mac and cheese? This recipe satisfies cravings while being nutritious enough to serve as a balanced meal.

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 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 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 meld.
Serve & Store: Enjoy 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 consider garnishing with extra freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness to your meal.

how to store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

To keep leftovers fresh, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This dish can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess.

tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Marinate the chicken ahead of time, even overnight if you can, to enhance the flavors.
Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use fresh cheese for the best melting result in your mac and cheese.

variation

For a healthier twist, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat pasta or cauliflower pasta. You can also try using different proteins, like turkey or plant-based alternatives, to suit your dietary preferences.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking.

Q2: How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
A2: You can reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream or use low-fat alternatives.

Q3: Can I make the mac and cheese without heavy cream?
A3: Yes, you can substitute with milk or a mix of milk and a thickener like cornstarch to achieve a creamy texture.