A Flavor Explosion You Can’t Resist
Ever daydreamed about a meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite? Picture tender chicken coated in a sticky, honey-garlic glaze paired with creamy, dreamy mac & cheese. Sounds amazing, right? Get ready to savor a dish that’s not just high in protein, but also a total crowd-pleaser. Quick, cozy, and downright delicious — this is the kind of dinner that turns a regular night into something special.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese? Here’s the scoop:
- Easy cleanup: Everything comes together in one pan for minimal mess. Who wants to deal with a sink full of dirty dishes after a long day?
- Family-friendly: Kids (and adults) will love the sweet and savory flavors. Plus, it’s hard to resist that cheesy goodness.
- Healthy twist: With the high protein from chicken and the creamy sauce, you can feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing flavor. 🙌
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)
Directions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how it goes down:
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken, and cook until fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes). Lower the heat, then toss in butter, honey, and parsley.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then cook the minced garlic for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble away.
- Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, more smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until it’s a creamy delight.
- Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain and rinse.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, or store in airtight containers for meal prep.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese (Overview)
Now, let’s break it down into a relaxed chat:
- Start by marinating that chicken to pump up the flavor. Don’t skip this — it’s a game changer!
- Sizzle it in a skillet until golden brown. The smell will have everyone wandering into the kitchen saying, “What’s cooking?”
- Move onto the creamy cheese sauce. A little bubbling never hurt anyone!
- Combine everything like a match made in comfort food heaven. Pro tip: I like to let the flavors mingle for a few extra minutes — trust me, it enhances everything!
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
When it comes to plating, think vibrant and inviting. Pour the creamy mac & cheese in a generous bowl, pile that honey garlic chicken on top, and sprinkle with a bit of fresh parsley for a pop of color. The aroma? Absolutely irresistible! You can even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat — your taste buds will thank you.
How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Made too much (is that even possible)? No worries! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just pop it in an airtight container. For longer storage, feel free to freeze it for up to three months. Reheat it slowly in a skillet or microwave until piping hot — easy-peasy!
Tips to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Want to elevate your cooking game? Here are a few tricks:
- Timing is everything: Let that chicken marinate enough to soak up all those spices!
- Add a crunch: Toast some breadcrumbs and sprinkle them on top right before serving for that extra texture.
- Cheese swap: Not a fan of mozzarella? Try gouda or fontina for a different twist.
Variation
Feel free to switch it up — try adding in veggies like spinach or broccoli for a fresh touch. Want it vegan? Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use cashew cream and nutritional yeast for the cheesy vibes. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This keeps well in the fridge, and you can reheat it anytime for a quick meal.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lower-calorie option, use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken, and cook until fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes). Lower the heat, then toss in butter, honey, and parsley.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then cook the minced garlic for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble away.
- Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, more smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until it’s a creamy delight.
- Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain and rinse.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, or store in airtight containers for meal prep.