Why Make This Recipe
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a comfort food that delights the taste buds. This dish combines the savory goodness of chicken with the creamy richness of mac and cheese, making it a meal everyone loves.
By using cubed chicken breasts, you pack in a lot of protein, which is great for those looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The honey and garlic offer not only an explosion of flavor but also provide nutritional benefits. Honey is a natural sweetener that can provide energy, while garlic is known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
This recipe is also flexible and can be adapted to your dietary preferences. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy gathering with friends. The combination of simple ingredients makes this dish accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it can be made in less than an hour, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Making High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a straightforward process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 3 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
- 4 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 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: Start by taking a large bowl. Add the cubed chicken in the bowl, followed by olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until the chicken pieces are well coated. Let this sit and marinate for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors blend nicely into the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is warm, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, turn the heat down low. Add butter, honey, and chopped parsley to the pan. Mix everything until well combined. Set the skillet aside for later.
Make the Mac & Cheese: Using the same skillet, add a little more butter, and then toss in the minced garlic. Allow this to cook until the garlic turns golden brown. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently.
Melt the Cheese: Next, you will stir in the grated mozzarella, grated cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and the cheese has fully melted.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combine: Now, take the cooked pasta and add it to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Your delicious High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is now ready to enjoy! Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers for later.
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Serving High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese can be both fun and flexible. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
On the Plate: Serve the chicken on top of a generous helping of mac & cheese. Drizzle any extra honey garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the dish for added flavor.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top. This not only enhances the look of the dish but adds a fresh flavor.
Side Dishes: Consider serving alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables. This adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy mac & cheese.
Family Style: For gatherings, serve in a large bowl where everyone can help themselves. Place additional parsley and cheese at the table for guests to add more if they wish.
How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
If you have leftovers, storing them properly will keep the flavors intact. Here’s how to store your dish:
Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool completely. This prevents condensation and keeps your dish from becoming watery.
Airtight Containers: Place the mac & cheese and chicken into separate airtight containers. If you mix them, the pasta can become soggy when reheating.
Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you wish to store it longer, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container and leave it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat once you’re ready to eat!
Tips to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to even an hour in the fridge.
Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, gouda, or even pepper jack can add a delicious twist.
Herb Variations: Try using fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of dried parsley for a more vibrant taste.
Pasta Options: You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta like penne or fusilli. Whole-grain pasta is also a healthier alternative.
Variation
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a spicy flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken with firm tofu or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure they are thawed completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using light cream or reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the mac and cheese for added nutrients.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making your cooking process quicker.
What can I do with leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Consider turning the mac & cheese into a baked dish by topping it with breadcrumbs and baking until golden for a new twist on the meal!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is an excellent addition to your dinner rotation. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well coated and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Reduce heat to low, then stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley.
- In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Cook until garlic is golden brown, then pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently.
- Add grated mozzarella, grated cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and cheese is melted.
- In a separate pot, boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the skillet and let simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with any remaining honey garlic butter sauce.