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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and nutritious meal combining tender marinated chicken with a flavorful honey garlic butter sauce served alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a hearty dinner that satisfies both protein needs and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 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

For Cooking the Chicken

  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Mac & Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well ensuring all chicken pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Lower heat to medium, add butter and honey, stir to coat chicken, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and remove from heat.
  3. Prepare Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Make Mac & Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve: Plate a generous portion of mac & cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes; overnight is ideal.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and taste results.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference and dietary needs.
  • To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein chicken, honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, creamy mac & cheese, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://topreci.com/high-protein-honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-and-cheese-recipe/