Name: High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

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 tbsp butter (for mac & cheese)

4 cloves garlic (minced, for mac & cheese)

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 (for mac & cheese)

2 tsp garlic powder (for mac & cheese)

2 tsp salt (for mac & cheese)

1/2 tsp black pepper (for mac & cheese)

Instructions

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

Step 2: 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, then stir in the butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Let the mixture melt and coat the chicken, then set it aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Serve the creamy mac & cheese topped with the honey garlic butter chicken. Enjoy immediately or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheese flavor in the mac & cheese.

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.

Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.

Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added for an herbal twist.

To reduce calories, swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and substitute heavy cream and cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.