“`html
If you’re craving a meal that’s indulgently comforting yet packed with protein and flavor, the High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe is your new go-to dish. This recipe brilliantly balances the savory richness of buttery honey garlic chicken with a luscious, velvety mac and cheese, creating a harmonious combination that satisfies your hunger and your soul. Whether for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this dish delivers big on taste and heartiness every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but mighty, each bringing its own magic to the dish to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this meal seriously crave-worthy.
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed: Provides lean, high-protein goodness that forms the hearty base of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps tenderize the chicken during marination and enhances flavor depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses both the chicken and mac & cheese with aromatic, savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky goodness in the chicken and cheesy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a mild, herbaceous brightness to the marinade.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that awakens the taste buds.
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice): Perfect for cooking the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used in the chicken glaze to create that luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides a sweet, sticky glaze that balances the savory spices perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley: Adds fresh color and a hint of herb freshness at the end.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The backbone of the creamy mac & cheese sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Again, for the mac & cheese sauce to keep the flavor consistent and inviting.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy texture that makes the mac & cheese irresistible.
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Offers stretchiness and mild cheese flavor.
- ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and depth to the cheese sauce.
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente: The perfect pasta shape to hold the rich, creamy sauce.
How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marination builds the flavor foundation that will make each bite unforgettable. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to let the spices fully infuse the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley, letting the glaze coat each juicy piece. Remove from heat and set aside, savoring the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare the Mac & Cheese
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about a minute—releasing that gorgeous savory scent. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Add the cooked elbow macaroni, followed by smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Now for the grand finale: plate the honey garlic butter chicken beside or atop your creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with extra chopped parsley to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. This dish is ready to impress any craving for comfort, richness, and protein-packed satisfaction.
How to Serve High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the dish brightens the look and adds a subtle fresh note that balances the richness beautifully. If you love a little zip, a crack of fresh black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika on top also raises the flavor profile with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
While this dish stands well alone, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies like broccoli or green beans adds a welcomed contrast in texture and a fresh dimension to your plate. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes bring just the right sweetness to complement the honey garlic glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken piled over the mac & cheese in individual shallow bowls for a rustic, family-style feel. Or, for a fun twist, layer the chicken and mac & cheese in a large baking dish and broil briefly to get the top irresistibly golden and bubbly before serving. Either way, presentation will delight as much as the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. The creamy mac & cheese may firm up, but the flavors remain rich and delicious for up to 3 days, making for quick and satisfying next-day meals.
Freezing
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe freezes well. Store portions in freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the mac & cheese firms up too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and stir thoroughly. The chicken reheats beautifully alongside without drying out thanks to the buttery glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and bring a deeper flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked and beautifully tender.
Is there a lower-calorie alternative for the cream in the mac & cheese?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though it will be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit more cheese can help boost flavor if you decide to lighten the sauce.
Can I make the mac & cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then reheat gently while stirring in extra cream or milk as needed to keep it creamy. The chicken is best cooked fresh or reheated separately to keep its glaze intact.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is classic here because it holds the creamy cheese sauce wonderfully. However, other short pasta like shells, cavatappi, or small rigatoni will also work beautifully.
Can I add vegetables directly to the mac & cheese?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli florets, spinach, or peas mix in nicely and add nutrition and color. Just fold them in after cooking the pasta and before serving.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe is such a rewarding dish to make and enjoy – hearty, packed with flavor, and generously comforting. It’s perfect for those times when you want a satisfying meal that feels special but comes together without fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
“`
Print
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a deliciously rich and satisfying meal combining tender, flavorful chicken glazed in a sweet honey garlic butter sauce with a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe marries the smoky spices and savory garlic of the chicken with the velvety, cheesy pasta for an irresistible comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Add butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and bring just to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to combine and coat the pasta with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and arrange the honey garlic butter chicken on top or alongside. Garnish with extra freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, high-protein meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture after mixing with the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Adjust the amount of honey for sweetness according to your preference.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety.
