High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
A delightful dish that marries creamy mac and cheese with tender honey garlic chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pieces chicken breasts (cubed) Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic for better flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey For sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika For a smoky flavor.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.
For the Mac & Cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente) Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 cups heavy cream For a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Drizzle honey over the chicken and add smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
- Pour in the heavy cream and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the chicken mixture and stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted.
Notes
Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is versatile; consider customizing with different cheeses or adding veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.