High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, perfect for a satisfying meal packed with protein.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pieces chicken breasts (cubed) Lean protein, ideal for marinating.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For marinating the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Freshly minced is recommended.
- 2 tsp smoked paprika Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice) For sautéing.
- 2 tbsp butter Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp honey For the honey garlic butter flavor.
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley For garnish.
- 2 cups heavy cream Makes the cheese sauce creamy.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella For added creaminess.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese For flavor.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente) Pasta should be cooked before combining.
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate cubed chicken in olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
- Cook marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble.
- Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy.
Combining and Serving
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce; simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve warm or divide into containers for meal prep.
Notes
For an inviting presentation, serve family-style in a large serving bowl. You can customize the mac and cheese by adding vegetables for extra nutrition.