High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese checks every box for weeknight comfort food My family always requests it when the mood calls for something cozy high in protein and seriously flavorful The combo of juicy marinated chicken and ultra-creamy stovetop mac never fails

My kids love both the tender honey garlic chicken and melty mac and cheese so this recipe solves the dinner debate in my house It started as a Sunday treat but it quickly became a regular weeknight go to

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: diced into bite size pieces for even marinating and fast cooking
• Olive oil: helps the marinade penetrate and keeps chicken moist
• Fresh garlic: brings real depth and aroma to both chicken and cheese sauce use fresh for best results
• Smoked paprika: gives a hint of woodsy warmth look for deep red color when selecting
• Garlic powder: layers extra flavor on top of the fresh garlic
• Dried parsley: in marinade boosts herbal notes while fresh parsley added at the end brightens the dish
• Salt: seasons and enhances all the elements
• Black pepper: gives a subtle bite especially fresh cracked for kick
• Avocado oil or neutral high heat oil: allows for perfect sear on the chicken without burning
• Butter: adds richness to both chicken and cheese sauce always go for real butter for flavor
• Honey: gives the chicken gorgeous gloss plus a touch of sweetness that balances the garlic
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: freshly grated help the sauce stay smooth and creamy good cheese matters here
• Elbow macaroni: classic for mac and cheese and holds sauce in every curve cook to al dente for the best texture
• Heavy cream: ensures the sauce turns out extra silky and decadent choose one with no additives if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine cubed chicken with olive oil minced garlic smoked paprika garlic powder dried parsley salt and black pepper in a large bowl Toss until every piece is evenly coated Let it sit for at least ten minutes to absorb all that seasoning The short wait really amps up the flavor

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium then add avocado oil Once hot add the marinated chicken Spread it out so every piece touches the pan Cook for ten to fifteen minutes stirring every couple minutes until golden and fully cooked through Lower the heat then add butter honey and chopped parsley Let the butter and honey melt together and toss to coat all the chicken The aroma at this stage will make you hungry

Make the Mac and Cheese Base:

Without cleaning the skillet add butter while the pan is still warm letting it melt Use a spoon to scrape up any brown bits Then add minced garlic and cook for two to three minutes over medium until just golden This creates the foundation of your sauce

Build the Cheese Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream and stir as it starts to simmer Add the mozzarella cheddar smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper Keep stirring until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is thick and creamy This whole process should take about five minutes and you want it smooth not bubbling too much

Boil and Prep the Pasta:

Meanwhile cook the macaroni in boiling water following package directions for al dente texture You want the pasta firm enough to hold the creamy sauce Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking rinsing is optional but keeps the pasta from sticking together

Combine Chicken and Mac:

Gently fold the drained pasta into the bubbling cheese sauce Let it cook together on the lowest heat for five minutes so every noodle absorbs the flavor Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Finish and Serve:

Spoon the hot mac and cheese onto plates then top with the glazed chicken and a little extra parsley This is when you see all those layers come together Serve right away or pack into containers for incredible meal prep

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My favorite part is the mozzarella cheese I always splurge on a fresh block because shredding it yourself makes the sauce so much silkier Once my daughter started insisting on extra cheese every time it became our little tradition to do the cheese pull together when we serve

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for three to four days Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the mac and cheese sauce creamy The chicken stays juicy if you reheat covered and at low heat This dish also freezes well just cool first portion into freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness If you do not have avocado oil use canola or grapeseed oil For cheese try Monterey Jack for meltiness and Colby for a mild flavor Sub oat milk cream for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich Gluten free macaroni substitutes work well just watch the cooking time

Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle with lots of extra fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onion for brightness Serve with a crisp salad or steamed broccoli if you want greens on the side For a festive spin I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce or top with crispy bacon bits Kids love it with a dollop of ketchup on the side

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Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe bridges classic American mac and cheese comfort with a honey garlic chicken twist reminiscent of Asian inspired flavors The buttery honey garlic glaze is a nod to both weeknight stir fries and soul food staples It brings together flavors I have loved from both my childhood casseroles and restaurant style takeout

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for easy cubing and quick, even cooking.

→ Can a different cheese be substituted?

You may swap mozzarella and cheddar with other melty varieties like Colby Jack or Gruyère for a new flavor twist.

→ Is it possible to use other pasta shapes?

Elbow macaroni holds the sauce well, but rotini or shells can be used to capture the creamy cheese mixture.

→ How can this be prepared ahead for meal prep?

After cooking, divide the chicken and mac & cheese into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

→ Can the garlic and paprika levels be adjusted?

Yes, feel free to increase or decrease the garlic and paprika amounts to suit your taste preferences.

→ How to prevent macaroni from overcooking?

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water after draining to maintain a firm texture in the final dish.