Name: High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
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)

Description

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken served with creamy mac and cheese combines flavorful sweetness and rich comfort for a nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Marinate for about 10 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through and golden brown.
Lower the heat and stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley until melted and fragrant.
In the same skillet, add a touch more butter along with the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and aromatic.
Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer, turning it into a creamy sauce.
Stir in the freshly grated mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until melted and creamy.
Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly and allowing it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Marinating the chicken enhances flavor. Cook the cream slowly to prevent curdling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 90mg