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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

A delicious and satisfying meal combining tender chicken with cheesy, creamy macaroni, packed with protein for a filling lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. 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 and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
  5. Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve warm on a plate or in a bowl, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, consider adding more heavy cream or cheese. You can adjust honey based on sweetness preference.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, mac and cheese, high protein, comfort food, family recipe