High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Directions
- 1In a large bowl, combine your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- 2Marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes to soak up all the delicious spices.
- 3Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your marinated chicken.
- 4Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes until it’s fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- 5Once chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley to coat the chicken in a sweet, buttery glaze.
- 6In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat.
- 7Sauté additional minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
- 8Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently to create a luscious base for your cheese sauce.
- 9Once your cream is bubbling, stir in mozzarella and cheddar along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 10Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
- 11Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- 12Drain the macaroni well and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
- 13Add your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
- 14Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld beautifully together.
- 15Serve warm as an indulgent dinner or divide into airtight containers if you’re meal prepping for later in the week.
Ingredients
- 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
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated mozzarella
- 0.5 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Equipment
large bowllarge skillet
Tips
- Letting the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes allows the spices to infuse deeply, enhancing the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
- Fresh garlic and parsley not only elevate the taste but also provide vibrant color and nutrients that enhance the overall healthiness of your meal.
- Cooking over medium heat ensures that your chicken gets a nice golden-brown crust without burning, while also allowing it to cook through evenly.
- Rinsing cooked macaroni prevents it from sticking together, ensuring each piece is enveloped in creamy cheese sauce when served.
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Adding cream cheese or gouda can create different flavor profiles that keep this dish exciting.
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