High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the perfect marriage of savory chicken and cheesy goodness. Picture this: tender, cubed chicken steeped in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, all beautifully paired with creamy, dreamy mac and cheese. This dish is your answer to weeknight dinners when you’re craving comfort food that also delivers on protein. My family adores it, and it always garners compliments at the dinner table—who doesn’t love a hearty, flavorful meal that’s also quite simple to prepare?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What really sets this recipe apart? It showcases vibrant flavors while keeping things straightforward. Perfect for busy night dinners, this dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and ultimately kid-approved. The high-protein content from the chicken and the macaroni’s creamy richness makes it a balanced meal that fuels you through the day. Plus, imagine a dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation—this is it!
“This dish has become a family favorite! The combination of honey and garlic is simply divine, and the kids can’t get enough of the mac and cheese!” — Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating this culinary delight is as simple as a few straightforward steps. You’ll begin by marinating the chicken, infusing it with flavors that make each bite a burst of deliciousness. Next, you’ll cook that marinated chicken until beautifully golden, making your kitchen smell incredible. Following that, you’re going to craft a creamy cheese sauce, and finally, it’s all about combining these elements into a dish that will leave your taste buds singing. Ready to dive in? Here’s everything you need to gather!
What You’ll Need
- 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)
Feel free to substitute the cheeses for ones you prefer or have on hand. For instance, Gouda or Fontina would work wonderfully in the cheese sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Start by marinating the cubed chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak in those rich flavors.
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While the chicken marinates, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. Add in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley, then give it a gentle stir.
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In the same skillet, toss in additional minced garlic sautéed in butter before pouring in the heavy cream. Allow it to bubble gently to create a luscious base for your cheese sauce.
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Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts into a gooey, creamy sauce that you’ll wish you could dive right into!
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Meanwhile, boil the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Finally, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a chance to get creative! Consider plating it in a shallow bowl, layering the chicken over the mac and cheese for a beautiful presentation. Sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley or even a bit of crispy bacon on top for an unexpected crunch. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the cheese.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, let your dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you choose to freeze portions, they can last for up to two months. Just be sure to portion them out first to avoid defrosting the entire batch!
Pro Chef Tips
- Marinating the chicken is essential; it not only amplifies the flavor but also helps keep the meat tender.
- Don’t rush the melting of the cheese; low and slow is key to achieving that creamy texture without clumps.
- If your sauce is too thick, a splash of chicken broth or additional cream can help adjust your desired consistency.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add cooked spinach or broccoli for an extra nutrient boost and a pop of color.
- Swap out the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta option or even zucchini noodles for a lighter dish.
- Experiment with different cheeses! Swiss or pepper jack could add a nice twist to the flavor profile.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The total preparation and cooking time is about 35-40 minutes, making it an easy weeknight dinner option.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! However, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating for the best results.
What are some good side dishes to serve with it?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a sure-fire success that balances flavor and nutrition beautifully. Get ready to enjoy this comforting meal that’s bound to impress!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pieces 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
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
Instructions
Marination
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak in those rich flavors.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it's fully cooked and golden brown.
- Add in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley, then give it a gentle stir.
Creating Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, toss in additional minced garlic sautéed in butter before pouring in the heavy cream. Allow it to bubble gently to create a luscious base for your cheese sauce.
- Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Watch as it melts into a gooey, creamy sauce.
Cooking Macaroni
- Meanwhile, boil the elbow macaroni until it's al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
