High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Get ready for a dish that’s not just another dinner — it’s a culinary experience that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese! High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or as a comforting meal when you need that little extra boost. This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly satisfying, packed with protein, and laden with a delightful honey-garlic glaze that captivates the taste buds. Let me walk you through why this dish should be on your dinner table tonight!
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe offers a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, making it a true crowd-pleaser. It’s not just about the taste — here’s why you should definitely try it at home:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: With common ingredients, it won’t break the bank.
- Kid-Approved: Creamy mac and cheese coupled with honey garlic chicken is a sure hit with the little ones.
“This dish is a game-changer! The chicken is so juicy, and the mac and cheese is the creamiest I’ve ever made! It’s now a regular on our dinner rotation.” — Emily, satisfied home cook
Preparing High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ready to dive in? This dish combines marinated chicken cooked to perfection with a rich and creamy mac and cheese. Here’s what you’ll be doing:
- Start by marinating the chicken.
- While the chicken cooks, you’ll make the cheesy sauce.
- Finally, you’ll combine everything for a delicious, hearty meal.
You can easily prep your ingredients in advance to make the cooking process even smoother!
What you’ll need
Gather these items to ensure your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese comes out perfectly:
- 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)
Pro Tip: Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use different cheeses based on your preference!
Directions to follow
Let’s get into the details of preparing this delicious meal:
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley until everything is coated.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
Melt the Cheese: Add mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
Combine: Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve & Store: Enjoy it warm or divide into airtight containers for meal prep.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this dish can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas for plating:
- Garnish: Top your mac and cheese with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Pairing: Serve with a light green salad and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Sides: Roasted vegetables or garlic bread would complement the flavors perfectly!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you have any leftovers, you’re in luck! Here’s how to store this dish safely:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: To freeze, portion the meal in a freezer-safe container, separating the chicken from the pasta if possible. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a touch of cream if it seems too thick.
Helpful cooking tips
To make your cooking experience even smoother, here are some chef-approved tips:
- Marination: Allow the chicken to marinate longer if you have time — this enhances the flavor further.
- Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta to al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade for a spicy flavor boost.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for grilled mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option, maintaining the same delicious sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for another layer of flavor in the mac and cheese.
Your questions answered
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
What’s the prep time?
The total prep time is about 10 minutes, with cook time adding another 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Just ensure they melt well.How do I adjust for dietary restrictions?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and consider using plant-based butter and cream for a dairy-free version.
Make your dinner exciting again with this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe. It’s sure to impress your family and friends while providing a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy cooking!
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley until everything is coated.
- In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
- Add mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
- Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Enjoy it warm or divide into airtight containers for meal prep.
