Let me introduce you to a dish that’s about to become your weeknight dinner hero: the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, marinated and cooked to perfection, atop a bed of creamy, dreamy mac and cheese. It’s indulgent yet packed with nutrients, making it the ultimate comfort food with a protein punch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed Delight: Each serving is brimming with protein, making both your taste buds and muscles happy!
- Rich and Creamy: The mac & cheese isn’t just a sidekick; it’s a creamy casserole that enhances every bite of the savory chicken.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this dish is perfect even on the busiest of nights.
- Customizable Creations: Whether you prefer it spicy, extra cheesy, or tossed with veggies, you can adapt it to your liking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
When you’re making a dish as comforting and satisfying as High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese, having the right ingredients on hand makes all the difference. Each ingredient is chosen to create layers of flavor and texture that turn a simple meal into something extraordinary.
- Chicken Breasts: For a lean source of protein that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Olive Oil: Adds a wonderful depth and enhances the marinade.
- Garlic: Essential for that robust, aromatic flavor in both chicken and cheesy sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
- Cheddar & Mozzarella: Blend to create a luscious, melty sauce that clings deliciously to the pasta.
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice for capturing all that creamy cheese sauce.
Variations
One of the best things about the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is its adaptability. You can easily mix it up based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences without losing that signature comfort-food vibe.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy rendition.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and enjoy the same creamy goodness.
- Herb Infusion: Consider swapping parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a fresh twist.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This marination ensures the chicken is flavorful and tender, giving you mouthwatering bites every time.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, usually around 10-15 minutes. Stir in butter, honey, and fresh parsley, allowing the mixture to coat the chicken gloriously.
Step 3: Make the Mac & Cheese
In the same skillet, add butter and cook minced garlic until golden. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to bubble gently before adding mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Pasta Meets Cheese
Cook the macaroni al dente, then combine with the cheese sauce in the skillet. Allow everything to simmer on low for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together into creamy, cheesy perfection.
Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Watch the Heat: Keep the skillet on medium to medium-low heat to prevent burning the garlic and cheese sauce.
- Tender Chicken: Cutting chicken into uniform cubes ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents.
- Pasta Perfect: Rinse the pasta briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sogginess.
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. A light dusting of grated parmesan cheese would also add an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This rich dish pairs well with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance out the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in individual skillets or bowls for an elegant touch. You could also spoon the mac & cheese onto plates first, creating a cheesy nest for the honey garlic chicken right on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days, making them ideal for meal prepping your week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the pasta may soften. For best results, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess of the cheese sauce and prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be mindful to cook it al dente.
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How can I make this dish healthier?
You can substitute whole wheat pasta, reduce the cheese slightly, or incorporate more vegetables for a lighter version.
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What if I can’t find smoked paprika?
If smoked paprika isn’t available, try substituting with regular paprika and a small pinch of cayenne for some heat.
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Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a tantalizing, protein-packed feast that your family will request again and again. The High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of flavors. I encourage you to give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the delightful aroma of comfort food at its finest. Enjoy!
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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious high-protein meal featuring tender, marinated chicken cooked with honey garlic butter, served alongside rich, cheesy macaroni. This dish combines bold flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
3 chicken breasts, cubed2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
3 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Mac & Cheese:
2 tablespoon butter4 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 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Reduce heat to low, then stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow the mixture to melt and coat the chicken thoroughly, 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 until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve & Store: Serve warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or cheese sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 450g)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
