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High-protein honey garlic butter chicken served with creamy mac and cheese, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alyssa

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal with a nutritious twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces 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)

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Cook the Chicken: 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. Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
  6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.