High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Welcome to a culinary experience that invites coziness and satisfaction into your kitchen! Imagine golden, succulent chicken breasts kissed with a hint of sweetness from mild honey and a touch of depth from garlic, all beautifully combined with rich, creamy mac and cheese. As you prepare this dish, the savory aroma envelops your home, warming your heart and drawing everyone to the table. This recipe perfects the balance of comfort food and high-protein goodness, ideal for evenings after a long workday or lazy Sunday gatherings with family and friends.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutritional Breakdown

• Calories: 650 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

This breakdown highlights the benefits of this hearty dish, providing ample protein to support your health goals amid indulgent flavors. The ingredients carry a wealth of nutritional value, making this recipe not just delicious but a nourishing meal for you and your loved ones as well.

Why You’ll Love It

One of the many reasons to create this dish is its undeniable ability to bring people together. As the savory scent wafts through your home, it nudges memories of family dinners and laughter shared around the table. The combination of sweet honey and garlicky butter paired with the comfort of creamy mac and cheese is like a warm hug on a plate. Serve this dish when you need to celebrate special moments, nourish your weekend get-togethers, or simply enjoy a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week.

Cooking Directions

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)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Ingredients: Add red pepper flakes for some heat, or mix in veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. 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 the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley until everything is coated. Set aside.

3. Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.

4. Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until smooth and creamy.

5. Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.

6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and allow it to simmer on low for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

7. Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into airtight containers for meal prep.

Best Pairings

Serve this delightful dish with a light garden salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a comforting drink alongside, try a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea. You can even enjoy it on its own or as a mains dish, topped with additional chopped herbs.

Keeping it Fresh

• Room Temperature: Best consumed within 2 hours of cooking.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips

To ensure your chicken remains juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking—give it plenty of space! Keep an eye on the cheese sauce to prevent it from boiling too vigorously, as this can lead to a grainy texture. For the perfect mac and cheese, stir gently to incorporate the cheese without overmixing to maintain creamy consistency.

Delicious Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use plant-based butter and cream. Adjust the spices accordingly.
• Gluten-Free: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces and ingredients are gluten-free.
• Extra Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the mac and cheese for an earthy kick and to boost your vegetable intake.

Common Questions & Answers

1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F).
2. How do I prevent overcooked pasta? Rinse the pasta in cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process.
3. What other cheeses work well? Gouda or pepper jack can be used for a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion

I invite you to try this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe in your kitchen! The combination of delicious flavors and the gratifying texture will surely unite your family over a delightful meal. Remember to share your creations and ideas, and let’s build a community that celebrates good food together. Happy cooking!

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

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• Author: recipechangegmail-com
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: High-Protein

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Description

A comforting high-protein dish featuring tender chicken breast in a honey garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy mac and cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• Optional: red pepper flakes, broccoli, or spinach

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken, and cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked, then stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley.
3. Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan, then add minced garlic and cook until golden. Pour in heavy cream and let bubble.
4. Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and rinse.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or store in airtight containers for meal prep.

Notes

Best when served warm. Can be paired with a salad or a refreshing drink.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg