High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy pasta. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that satisfies both your protein needs and your craving for classic mac and 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 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley, coating the chicken evenly.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté additional minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to bubble gently over low heat.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
6. Step 6: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the skillet. Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a mild kick.
• Use a mix of cheeses like gouda or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
• Swap out the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• To lighten the dish, substitute half the heavy cream with milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken or fully thaw frozen chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 355 reviews

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that combines tender garlic-infused chicken with rich, cheesy macaroni. The chicken is marinated and pan-cooked with a flavorful blend of spices, honey, and butter, then combined with a luscious cheese sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, and heavy cream. Perfect as a comforting dinner that balances protein and indulgent flavors.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 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

Cooking & Sauce Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture marinate for approximately 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned. Then stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to coat the chicken and create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
3. Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add additional minced garlic and butter; sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to gently bubble, preparing for the cheese mixture.
4. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the bubbling cream, mixing until melted and smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
5. Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce in the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the pasta can absorb the sauce flavors fully.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
• Rinsing pasta after cooking helps keep it from overcooking when combined with the sauce.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
• This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

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