Sizzling Chicken Bliss with a Cheesy Twist!
Ever imagined a meal that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy diner on a Saturday night? This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese has a way of wrapping you in a warm hug with every bite! It’s quick, creamy, and loaded with flavors that dance on your taste buds. Plus, it all cooks in one pan! What’s not to love?
Why Make This Recipe
Here are a few reasons you’ll absolutely adore this dish:
- Easy Cleanup: One pan means less time scrubbing, more time savoring. Who needs extra dishes, right?
- Family-Friendly: Kids love mac & cheese, and adults can’t resist the sweet and savory chicken. It’s the kind of meal that unites everyone at the table.
- High-Protein Goodness: Packed with chicken and creamy cheesy carbs, this dish will fuel your day and curb those snack attacks.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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: Combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley and let it melt, then set aside.
- 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. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to bubble.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into containers for meal prep.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese (Overview)
Picture this: you marinate your chicken in a zesty blend while you daydream about the feast ahead. 🍗 After that, you coax the chicken to crispy perfection, letting the honey and butter do their glaze magic. Next, whip up a creamy cheese sauce, the kind that makes your heart skip a beat. Combine it all with pasta, and voila! You’ve got a comforting meal that’s hard to resist. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Serve this delightful dish in a spacious bowl where the creamy mac & cheese nests cozy chicken bites. The golden mozzarella melts, while the warm aroma of garlic wafts through the air, tempting everyone within range. For an extra pop, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Who’s ready to dive in? 🧀
How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Want to save some for later? This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. For freezing, it’s best enjoyed within 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, pop it in the microwave or a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth if it’s looking a bit dry!
Tips to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Timing is Key: Marinate the chicken longer for even more flavor. Think 30 minutes or overnight for a flavor explosion!
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap out mozzarella for gouda if you want a smoky twist – trust me, it’s divine!
- Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach or broccoli while cooking for a nutrient boost — your body will thank you!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try using tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegan twist! Toss in some nutritional yeast to mimic that cheesy flavor, and you’ve got a hearty alternative that’s just as comforting.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut cream or a plant-based milk mixed with cornstarch to thicken it.
3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy mac & cheese and sweet chicken combo is a surefire hit with the little ones. Who doesn’t love mac & cheese? 😊
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley and let it melt, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to bubble.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Enjoy warm or divide into containers for meal prep.