High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

45 mins
Serves 4
https://emmayummy.com/high-protein-honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-cheese/

Directions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  4. 4Marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes to soak up all the delicious spices.
  5. 5Marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes to soak up all the delicious spices.
  6. 6Marinate the chicken for about 10 minutes to soak up all the delicious spices.
  7. 7Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your marinated chicken.
  8. 8Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your marinated chicken.
  9. 9Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your marinated chicken.
  10. 10Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes until it’s fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  11. 11Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes until it’s fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  12. 12Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes until it’s fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  13. 13Once 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.
  14. 14Once 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.
  15. 15Once 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.
  16. 16In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat.
  17. 17In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat.
  18. 18In the same skillet, add more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat.
  19. 19Sauté additional minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
  20. 20Sauté additional minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
  21. 21Sauté additional minced garlic until golden and fragrant.
  22. 22Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently to create a luscious base for your cheese sauce.
  23. 23Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently to create a luscious base for your cheese sauce.
  24. 24Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently to create a luscious base for your cheese sauce.
  25. 25Once your cream is bubbling, stir in mozzarella and cheddar along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  26. 26Once your cream is bubbling, stir in mozzarella and cheddar along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  27. 27Once your cream is bubbling, stir in mozzarella and cheddar along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  28. 28Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
  29. 29Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
  30. 30Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
  31. 31Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
  32. 32Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
  33. 33Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
  34. 34Drain the macaroni well and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
  35. 35Drain the macaroni well and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
  36. 36Drain the macaroni well and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
  37. 37Add your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
  38. 38Add your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
  39. 39Add your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
  40. 40Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld beautifully together.
  41. 41Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld beautifully together.
  42. 42Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld beautifully together.
  43. 43Serve warm as an indulgent dinner or divide into airtight containers if you’re meal prepping for later in the week.
  44. 44Serve warm as an indulgent dinner or divide into airtight containers if you’re meal prepping for later in the week.
  45. 45Serve 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
  • 3 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 3 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 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.