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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese
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Savor comfort and protein-loaded flavor with juicy honey garlic butter chicken and creamy mac & cheese! Easy, family-friendly and meal-prep approved!
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Delicious high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy homemade mac & cheese. Easy comfort dish recipe!
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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese: Comfort Food with a Protein Punch!
Hey foodie friends! Chef Alex here, bringing you another dish that’s sure to warm your belly and brighten up your table. Honestly, is there anything better than comfort food that hugs your soul with every bite? Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s been an absolute game-changer at my dinner table: High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Homestyle Mac & Cheese.
This dish takes me right back to those cozy Sunday nights of my childhood—when the kitchen smelled of sweet garlic, rich buttery goodness, and pure, soul-satisfying comfort. We’re talking juicy honey garlic butter chicken nestled against a creamy, cheesy bed of mac & cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or just whenever you crave something hearty, comforting, and wholesome. Trust me, friends, it really is a hug on a plate!
A Little Taste Down Memory Lane
Growing up, Sunday nights were special. My mom always believed the best way to start the new week was gathering around the table with comfort food that made everyone smile. The kitchen was her sanctuary. On one particular chilly evening, I wandered in, barely tall enough to peer over the counter. She handed me a wooden spoon and said, “Alex, today’s special—taste and tell me what it needs!”
That night, she was making her famous honey garlic chicken with mac & cheese, and I’ve carried her recipe—and that warm memory—ever since. Over the years, I’ve adjusted the recipe, sneaking in extra protein and flavorful seasonings, but the soul remains the same—a dish that comforts and satisfies, mouthful after delicious mouthful.
Ready to whip up some good food nostalgia of your own? Let’s jump right into it!
🛒 Ingredients
🍯 Chicken Marinade:
– 3 chicken breasts, cubed (high protein perfection!)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 2 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
🔥 For Cooking the Chicken:
– 3 tbsp avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
🧀 Mac & Cheese:
– 2 tbsp butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups heavy cream
– ½ cup grated mozzarella (creamy melt!)
– ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp goodness!)
– 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken cubes in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it mingle and marinate for at least 10 minutes. Quick tip: the longer, the better—but no stress, even 10 minutes packs a flavorful punch!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Flavorful Perfection
Warm avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Lower heat, add butter, honey, and chopped fresh parsley, stirring gently until the chicken is beautifully glazed and irresistible. Set aside.
Step 3: Garlicky Mac & Cheese Magic
In the same skillet (yay, fewer dishes!), melt butter and sauté garlic until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer gently, making sure to stir regularly.
Step 4: Melt in that Cheesy Goodness
Add mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the creamy skillet mixture. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, velvety, and impossible to resist sneaking a quick taste!
Step 5: Cook That Pasta Just Right
Meanwhile, boil the macaroni until it’s just al dente (still tender but slightly firm to the bite). Drain and rinse pasta quickly with cold water to halt cooking and keep the texture perfect.
Step 6: Combine Everything for Ultimate Comfort
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy garlic cheese sauce and let it all simmer gently for 5 more minutes to let flavors mingle harmoniously. Finally, serve topped generously with your honey garlic butter chicken (or toss it right in—your kitchen, your rules)!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings:
This hearty dish can absolutely shine on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy—or looking to sneak in extra veggies—consider serving it alongside:
– Steamed broccoli tossed in lemon zest.
– Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze.
– A fresh, crisp spinach or arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
Chef Alex’s Pro Tips: 😉
– Meal Prep Hero: Prepare extra chicken and mac & cheese on Sunday for a hassle-free lunch or dinner throughout the week. Keep in the fridge in portioned containers!
– Spice Lover’s Twist: Crave heat? Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce over your mac for extra kick.
– Gooey Cheese Goals: Besides mozzarella and cheddar, consider mixing cheeses. Gouda, fontina, or sharp white cheddar add fantastic depth and creaminess.
⏱️ Prep & Nutritional Tidbits:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Comfort Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty servings
This meal is packed with protein, thanks to juicy chicken breasts and richness from cheeses. It’s satiating, energy-boosting, and perfect for anyone mindful of their protein intake. Remember, balance is everything—feel free to adjust cheeses or portion size to fit your dietary needs.
Feel-Good Comfort Food Benefits:
– Packed with Protein: perfect for post-workout meals and keeping hunger at bay.
– Meal-Prep Friendly: double the batch for tasty lunches or dinners on busy weekdays.
– Comfort Food Lover’s Dream: a cozy, heartwarming dish your family will adore!
Wrapping it Up (to-go please!)
This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with creamy mac & cheese is truly special, cozy, and tastes like a warm Sunday hug from Mom. And, the bonus? You’re sneaking in those protein gains in the tastiest way possible. Give this a try on your next cozy dinner or meal prep day, and experience comfort-food bliss.
Happy cooking, foodies—I can’t wait to hear what you think!
With tasty vibes,
Chef Alex 👨🍳
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
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
½ tsp black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
3 tbsp avocado oil (or any cooking oil)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Mac & Cheese:
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup grated mozzarella
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
Toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Lower the heat, add butter, honey, and parsley. Stir until coated.
Prepare Mac & Cheese:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until golden. Add cream and let it simmer.
Melt in the Cheese:
Add cheeses and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Cook Pasta:
Boil macaroni until just tender. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Combine Everything:
Stir pasta into the cheese sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Serve with the honey garlic chicken on top or mixed in.
Notes
Good Source of Protein • Meal-Prep Friendly • Comfort Food Classic
Nutrition
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
