why make this recipe
This dish gives you a filling meal with lots of protein and comfort flavors. It mixes honey garlic chicken and creamy mac and cheese in one pan. If you like simple comfort food, this recipe works well. For another simple garlic-butter chicken idea, see the garlic butter chicken with rigatoni for more inspiration.
introduction
This recipe uses chicken breast, garlic, butter, honey, cream, and cheese. You get a high-protein main with a rich cheese sauce and macaroni. It cooks fast and tastes like a restaurant meal at home. If you want to try a different chicken and yogurt mix, look at this chicken kofta recipe for ideas.
how to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Marinate the cubed chicken for 10 minutes with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until it is fully cooked. Add butter, honey, and chopped parsley, and stir well. In the same skillet, sauté extra garlic in butter, add heavy cream, then stir in mozzarella and cheddar until smooth. Add cooked elbow macaroni and simmer on low for about 5 minutes to let the sauce soak into the pasta. For a bolder spice, you can borrow searing and sauce tips from the cheesy cajun garlic butter steak method.
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, 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)
Directions :
Marinate the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper for about 10 minutes.
Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley.
In the same skillet, sauté additional minced garlic in butter before adding heavy cream. Allow it to bubble gently.
Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy.
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
how to serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Serve hot in bowls or plates. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for color. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance the rich sauce. If you like smoky flavors, you can serve it alongside a small portion of BBQ chicken mac and cheese style sides.
how to store High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Cool the dish to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened. You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Cut chicken in even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Do not boil the cream; keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking if you won’t mix it immediately.
- Taste and adjust salt before serving.
variation (if any)
- Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for a different melt.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach into the sauce for more veggies.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs add more fat and flavor. Adjust cook time until they are done.
Q: Can I reduce the cream to make it lighter?
A: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, but the sauce will be less thick and rich.
Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A: Do not overcook. Cut chicken into similar sizes and check for doneness at 10 minutes.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat gently. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Conclusion
Try the original recipe for inspiration at High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe for a close match to this version. For another healthy take and tips, read the Healthy Honey Garlic Chicken and Mac & Cheese guide.
