Picture this: a dish that combines the comforting heartiness of a classic mac & cheese with the savory brilliance of a honey garlic buttered chicken. Allow me to introduce you to my current obsession that has become a weekly staple – the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. This meal is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: A symphony of garlic, honey, and butter infuses the chicken while creamy cheese cradles the pasta.
- Protein-Packed: Each bite of this dish is loaded with protein, making it satisfying and energizing.
- Quick to Make: With a total time under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to fit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish leverages a simple list of ingredients to achieve an irresistibly delicious flavor profile. Each selected component, from the tender chicken to the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, plays an essential role in creating a truly remarkable High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.
- Chicken Breasts: When cubed and marinated, they absorb all the spices and flavors, turning extraordinarily juicy.
- Olive Oil: Acts as a base for the marinade, helping all spices to cling onto the chicken.
- Garlic: Used both in the chicken and mac & cheese, it’s essential for that punch of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness and a lovely red hue.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates the creamy base for the mac & cheese.
- Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese: Create that ooey-gooey luxurious cheese sauce we all adore.
- Elbow Macaroni: The perfect vessel for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.
Variations
One of the best things about this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to match your taste buds, dietary needs, or whatever is lurking in your refrigerator at the moment!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to bring some heat.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in some sautéed spinach or diced bell peppers for added nutrients and color.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free for an equally scrumptious option.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by infusing the cubed chicken with flavor! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in this tantalizing mixture and let it soak up all these robust flavors for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat your oil of choice in a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the pieces are perfectly golden and cooked through. Lower the heat, then mix in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley, letting it melt and cloak the chicken in a delightful glaze.
Step 3: Prepare the Mac & Cheese
In the same deliciously seasoned skillet, melt more butter to deglaze the pan. Add your aromatic minced garlic, letting it turn golden before adding the heavy cream, which should gently bubble and thicken. Stir in your cheeses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and utterly creamy.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Combine
While the sauce simmers, boil your elbow macaroni until just al dente, then rinse under cold water to halt further cooking. Finally, fold the pasta into the cheese sauce, letting it simmer together on low so the flavors can blend harmoniously.
Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Marination Magic: Allow your chicken to marinate longer if you have time, as this will deepen the flavor even more.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged shreds for a creamier sauce.
- Heat Control: Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese to prevent the sauce from splitting.
- Perfect Pasta: Al dente is key; slightly undercook your pasta, as it will continue to absorb the sauce as it rests.
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Garnishes
To jazz up your dish, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and a touch more chopped parsley for a burst of color and an extra cheesy thrall. Not only do these garnishes boast beauty, but they intensify the flavors in the most delightful way!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette or some roasted veggies seasoned with just a hint of lemon zest to offset the rich flavors of your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your plate a masterpiece by layering the chicken over a bed of macaroni, allowing the sauce to drizzle generously. Serve it in individual gratin dishes for a charming touch, or create a family-style platter for a more communal feel, inviting everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the leftovers of your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The combination of chicken and pasta develops even deeper flavors after a little resting time.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Once fully cooled, portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to three months. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something homely and delightful without the fuss.
Reheating
To keep the dish luscious, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at a low setting. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese doesn’t separate, and add a splash of cream if necessary to bring back the creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative, offering a richer flavor and more tenderness, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly due to their juicier nature.
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What’s the best way to ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
For the smoothest cheese sauce, use freshly grated cheese and gradually melt it over low heat, stirring continuously until it reaches a creamy, velvety consistency.
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Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour can act as a replacement, though might slightly alter the sauce’s richness.
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Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use plant-based cream and cheese varieties. While it will shift the flavor profile a bit, it will still offer a delicious and satisfying alternative.
Final Thoughts
Give this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese a try, and I promise you, your family or guests will certainly come back for seconds. Its rich, creamy, and utterly mouthwatering flavors offer the perfect cozy comfort that we all crave. Enjoy creating this delightful dish as much as you will relish every last bite!
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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese creates a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated with smoky spices and coated in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, served alongside a rich, cheesy pasta. It’s a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness that comes together quickly for a homemade feast.
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
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: 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 butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.
- Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes for maximum flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like thyme or basil for variation.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
