Description
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender marinated chicken cooked in a honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a satisfying meal that balances protein and indulgent cheese flavors.
Ingredients
Units
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Chicken Marinade:
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil or oil of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Mac & Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken while you prepare other components.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through. Reduce heat to low and stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Allow the butter and honey to melt and coat the chicken evenly, then set aside.
- Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter over medium heat to deglaze the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, letting it bubble softly to thicken slightly.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and the cheeses have melted completely.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce in the skillet. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken around the macaroni.
- Serve & Store: Serve the honey garlic butter chicken alongside or on top of the mac & cheese while warm. Divide leftovers into four airtight containers for meal prep and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes but up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when simmered in the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother melt and richer flavor.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
- This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave; add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
