High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

from majasrecipes.com
45 min

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal with a nutritious twist. Juicy, flavorful chicken meets rich, cheesy pasta for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 4

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

  5. 5

    Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.

  6. 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. 7

    Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.