Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe! Packed with flavor and protein, this meal is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter in the chicken marinade creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave you craving more.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead, saving you time and ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Marinade: Chicken breasts cubed, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper
- For Cooking the Chicken: Avocado oil (or oil of choice), butter, honey, freshly chopped parsley
- Mac & Cheese: Butter, garlic, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper
- Ingredient substitutions: You can use any type of oil for cooking the chicken and any type of pasta for the mac & cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken marinade ingredients and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat avocado oil and butter in a skillet, then add the marinated chicken and cook until browned.
- Add honey and parsley to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the honey garlic butter sauce.
- In a separate pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In another pot, melt butter and sauté garlic, then add heavy cream and cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
- Serve the honey garlic butter chicken over the mac & cheese and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispier chicken, cook it in a cast-iron skillet.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Let the chicken marinate for longer for even more flavor.
- Mix in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an extra burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. A glass of white wine or a fruity sangria would make a perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the chicken and mac & cheese in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir in a splash of milk or cream to revive the creaminess of the mac & cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this recipe.
- Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac & cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer in the mac & cheese.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and mac & cheese separately and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just reheat and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Next time you’re looking for a flavorful and protein-packed meal, give this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe a try. It’s sure to impress your taste buds and become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a delicious and protein-packed meal with this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken served alongside creamy Mac & Cheese. The savory flavors of garlic, honey, and butter combine perfectly with the tender chicken and cheesy pasta, making it a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
-
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Mac & Cheese:
-
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
- ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, add cubed chicken, mix well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan, add marinated chicken, cook until browned, then add butter, honey, and parsley, cook until chicken is cooked through.
- Make the Mac & Cheese: In a separate pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, pour in heavy cream, add cheeses, spices, cooked macaroni, and stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
Notes
- Adjust honey and garlic amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat cheese and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg