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 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 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, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, 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 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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- 5
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
- 6
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 7
Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food but want a satisfying protein boost? This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese delivers on both fronts, offering a hearty, flavorful meal that feels indulgent yet fuels your body. It's the perfect answer for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
What makes this dish truly special is the thoughtful pairing: juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, glossy honey garlic butter sauce alongside a luxuriously creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Each component is seasoned to perfection with aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, and a touch of sweetness from honey, creating a symphony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that elevates classic comfort food far beyond your usual takeout. This combination ensures every bite is balanced and deeply satisfying.
Prepare for a truly satisfying meal that hits all the right comfort notes. You'll find succulent chicken pieces, deeply flavorful from the fragrant garlic, smoked paprika, and the delectable honey butter, contrasting beautifully with the luscious, velvety mac and cheese. The elbow macaroni is cooked al dente, providing a pleasant chew against the rich, melted blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This is a robust, flavorful dish that will leave you feeling comforted and fully satisfied, perfect for a substantial dinner.
Customization & Variations
This versatile recipe allows for easy tweaks to fit your preferences. While cubed chicken breast is specified, you could easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result, simply adjusting cooking time as needed. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses in the mac and cheese, perhaps adding some Gruyere or Monterey Jack alongside the mozzarella and cheddar to customize the flavor profile. Don't shy away from adjusting the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and other spices in both the chicken and mac and cheese to match your personal taste preference.
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner when you need something hearty, or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. Serve it as a stand-alone, complete meal, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side for a touch of freshness.