How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein? I’m excited to share my recipe for High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese. This meal is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something quick yet satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra protein for the family! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick family dinners that are ready in just 30 minutes!
• Easy pasta recipes that everyone will love, even picky eaters.
• Protein-packed ingredients to keep you feeling full and energized.
• A creamy garlic pasta that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
• Great for meal prep, making it easy to plan meals for the week.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious dish, you’ll need the following 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)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese:

1. Marinate the Chicken: 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. 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. (Watch Video Below!)

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.
• Feel free to swap out the cheeses based on your family’s preferences; gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist!
• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken to speed up the cooking process.
• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the cheese sauce.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken over a generous helping of creamy garlic pasta, and garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic dinner idea for large groups or dinner ideas big family gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is ideal for meal prep ideas for picky eaters. You can prepare the chicken and mac and cheese ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s a great option for lunch high protein meal prep for the week or easy food prep for the week.

So, what are you waiting for? Try this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese today and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal that the whole family will love! And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or my High-Protein Creamy Pasta Bowl for more inspiration!