High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Why Make This Recipe

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delightful dish that combines flavors and nutrition. The chicken is packed with protein from the chicken breasts, while the creamy mac and cheese adds a comforting feeling to the meal. The honey garlic butter gives the chicken a unique sweetness that pairs well with the rich cheesy pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, ensuring you have a tasty and satisfying option at hand.

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

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Reduce heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow it to melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.

3. 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.

4. Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.

5. Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

7. 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

This dish can be served hot right after cooking, or you can pack it for lunch. Scoop the mac and cheese into bowls and top with the honey garlic chicken. Add extra chopped parsley for garnish if you like.

How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. This meal will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Microwave to reheat when ready to enjoy again.

Tips to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Marinate Longer: For more flavor, marinate the chicken for a longer period, such as 30 minutes to an hour.
• Pasta Choice: You can use any pasta shape you like if elbow macaroni isn’t available.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach to boost nutrition and color in the mac and cheese.

Serving Ideas

Serve this dish with a side salad for added crunch and freshness. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a fantastic recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, making it a favorite for family meals or meal prep.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking for the best results.

2. Can I substitute the cream?
   You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

3. How can I make it lighter?
   You can use whole grain pasta and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version of the dish.

4. Is this recipe good for leftovers?
   Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Print Pin

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600

A delightful dish combining high-protein chicken with creamy mac and cheese, enriched with honey garlic butter for a unique flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 3 pieces 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

For the Mac & Cheese

• 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 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Cooking the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken, and cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow it to melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.

Making 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.
• Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
• Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes.

Serving

• Serve warm or divide into airtight containers for meal prep.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken longer (30 mins to an hour). Use any pasta shape you like if elbow macaroni isn’t available. Consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

Calories: 600kcal

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken, Comfort Food, High-Protein, Honey Garlic Butter, mac and cheese