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Comforting Chicken Mac and Cheese served in a cozy family setting

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

A comforting high-protein dish combining honey garlic butter chicken with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 3 pieces chicken breasts (cubed) Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and tenderness. Turkey is a good substitute.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Freshly minced garlic provides a robust flavor.
  • 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
For the mac and cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream A rich, full-fat cream enhances creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese Experiment with a mix of cheeses for a unique twist.
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. 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. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Cooking the Mac & Cheese
  1. In the same skillet, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
  3. Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything comes together, resulting in a smooth and creamy sauce.
  4. Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.
  6. Enjoy warm, or divide into airtight containers for meal prep.

Notes

For added flavor, consider a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce and veggies like broccoli or spinach for nutrition.