High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes beat the combination of chicken and mac & cheese. Now imagine combining these two beloved favorites into one delicious meal. High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a dish that is sure to please everyone at your dinner table. With tender chicken coated in a rich honey garlic sauce and creamy, cheesy pasta, this recipe provides a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons why you would want to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. First, it is packed with protein. Chicken breast is known for being a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Adding macaroni and cheese into the mix creates a well-rounded meal that not only fills you up but also gives you energy for the day ahead.
This recipe does not just taste good; it is also easy and quick to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can successfully make this dish. Plus, cooking at home allows you to control what goes into your food, making it healthier and free from preservatives and unwanted additives.
Another great aspect of this dish is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. Whether you want to experiment with different seasonings, cheeses, or even pasta shapes, the possibilities are endless.
Finally, the combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and savory garlic makes this dish irresistible. When you take a bite, you’ll be hit with a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even for impressing guests.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Making this delicious dish might seem like a challenge at first, but with clear steps, anyone can do it. Here are the ingredients and directions to guide you through the cooking process.
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)
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating your chicken. In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes or until it is completely cooked through. Ensure that the chicken is no longer pink inside. Stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley, mixing them in well. Once done, set the chicken aside.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add some more butter along with the minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the garlic releases its rich aroma. Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet, letting it bubble gently.
Melt the Cheese: Now it’s time for the cheese! Stir in the freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with more smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil the elbow macaroni until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the pasta to soak up some of that cheesy goodness.
Serve & Store: Your dish is now ready! Serve the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese warm straight from the skillet. For meal prep, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
This dish can be served as the main course, and it pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad to add some crunch and color to your plate. You can also add some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
Don’t forget to garnish your dish! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor. If you’re serving this dish to guests, place it in a large serving dish for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
If you have leftovers or are making this dish for meal prep, it’s important to store it correctly for maximum freshness. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and mac & cheese to airtight containers.
This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or stovetop. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Tips to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of this dish greatly depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Fresh garlic and herbs can make a significant difference in taste.
Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to match your taste. If you enjoy more heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of cheddar or mozzarella, feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well, such as gouda, Monterey Jack, or even goat cheese.
Protein Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian variant. Just ensure that the protein is cooked through before adding to the mac and cheese.
Add Veggies: A great way to make this dish even healthier is to add some vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or peas can be stirred into the mac and cheese to provide extra nutrition and color.
Variation
This dish is quite flexible and can be tailored according to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:
- Baked Version: After combining the mac and cheese with the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake it until golden and bubbly.
- Different Pasts: Switch out elbow macaroni for another pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for alternatives.
- Spice It Up: For a southwestern twist, consider adding jalapenos or chipotle seasoning to the chicken marinade for an extra kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better texture.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a little butter to create a richer flavor. Alternatively, you can also use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this or cut into the chicken to ensure it is no longer pink in the center.
With this guide and these delicious recipes, you’ll surely enjoy making and savoring High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese! Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until completely cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley, mixing them in well and then set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently.
- Stir in the freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese, along with more smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate pot, boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm straight from the skillet. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.