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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

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A balanced showpiece of sweet-salty chicken and rich silk of cheese sauce over al dente macaroni, showcasing a delicate contrast of flavors and textures.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper for about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté additional minced garlic in butter before adding heavy cream. Allow it to bubble gently.
  4. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy.
  5. Boil elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  6. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before marinating for better browning. Use moderate heat when searing to prevent burning the butter or honey.

  • Author: Chef Rita
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg