High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
There’s something about the comfort of a home-cooked meal that brings back fond memories, especially when it’s a delightful blend of sweet and savory like our High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, glistening with a luscious honey garlic glaze, served atop a creamy, dreamy mac and cheese that’s rich enough to make your mouth water. This dish is a nostalgic nod to childhood favorites while being packed with protein to fuel your day.
It’s fast, kid-friendly, and completely crave-worthy, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Are you ready to whisk your family off to flavor town with this delightful recipe?
Are You Ready for a Flavor Explosion?
What if you could indulge in a meal that feels like a big warm hug while also being wholesome and satisfying? Imagine that first bite, with the golden-buttery chicken, and the creamy mac and cheese melting in your mouth. Doesn’t that warm your soul? It’s the perfect remedy for a long day or an uplifting treat for a cozy weekend dinner with loved ones. Can you hear the crunch of the chicken followed by the comforting swirl of cheesy goodness? Are you ready to make your taste buds dance with joy?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Prep: You can whip this dish up in no time, making it a hassle-free experience.
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Healthy Twist: Both chicken and whole wheat pasta provide a protein-packed meal that keeps you satisfied without being overly heavy.
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Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, ensuring nobody leaves the table feeling hungry.
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Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of staples, you can pull off this culinary delight without needed an extensive shopping trip.
Ingredients
To create this mouth-watering wonder, gather these ingredients from your pantry and fridge:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Imagine the sweet aroma of honey mixed with the savory notes of garlic wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in elevating this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, enhancing the dining experience with layers of flavor and comfort.
Timing
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese balances indulgence with speed. The entire dish can be prepared in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you crave something comforting but don’t have the luxury of time. The combination of quick preparation and slow-baking chicken creates a tantalizing experience, allowing the flavors to develop while you engage in other evening activities.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned, creating a beautiful crust.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
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Stir in honey, soy sauce, and butter until the butter melts and the sauce is perfectly blended, creating a glossy, delectable glaze.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it liberally with the honey garlic sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
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Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring milk and chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat, preparing the liquid goodness for the macaroni.
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Stir in the cooked macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente—where pasta perfection meets chewy goodness.
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Once the macaroni is ready, lower the heat and gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, creamy mix. Add Parmesan cheese and combine for extra flavor.
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Serve the honey garlic butter chicken over the mac & cheese, allowing the sauce to cascade over the pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color.
With each step, the anticipation grows, and the vivid ingredients transform into a comforting dish that’ll make dinner feel like a special occasion.
Nutritional Information
This sumptuous dish balances indulgence with nutrition, with each serving providing a satisfying protein punch and creamy goodness.
Once prepared, a serving of this dish contains approximately 550 calories. But remember, it’s okay to indulge occasionally—this meal not only delights your taste buds but also should make space for a little happiness and comfort in your day.
Healthier Alternatives
For a twist on this recipe, consider these healthier alternatives:
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Use skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option while maintaining similar flavor.
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Replace refined honey with a low-calorie sweetener to reduce sugar intake.
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Use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to make the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant friends.
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Substitute whole wheat elbow macaroni with spiralized zucchini or chickpea pasta to elevate the dish’s nutritional profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing this dish with ice cream for dessert could make for a satisfying, complete dinner experience. Consider serving it during special occasions or holidays for a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.
You could also add a fresh garden salad on the side—it’s a delightful way to balance the richness of the dish with something refreshing and green.
Common Mistakes
To ensure that your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese turns out perfectly, watch out for these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking the Chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken while it cooks; overbaking can lead to dry meat, which nobody wants!
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Texture Issues with Mac & Cheese: Stir constantly when adding cheese to avoid clumps and ensure a silky texture throughout the pasta.
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Messy Cooking: Prepare your workspace beforehand to keep this delicious venture stress-free.
Storing Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to air-tight containers. You can freeze portions to enjoy later or store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply transfer to a microwave-safe dish or an oven-safe skillet, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain that creamy consistency, making it as good as new!
Tempted to Make It ASAP?
When flavors collide in such a glorious way, waiting to make this dish only heightens the craving. So why not whip up this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese today? With delicious time-saving steps and the heartwarming satisfaction of a homemade meal, you’ll be pulling this recipe out for every occasion and turning every dinner into an unforgettable event.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs can create a juicier and more flavorful dish. -
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. -
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives. -
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the sweet, savory flavor and creamy texture of the mac and cheese. -
How long can I freeze leftovers?
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to creating a delightful dining experience that will impress your family and friends alike!
Print
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Protein-rich
Description
A delightful blend of sweet and savory featuring tender chicken glazed with honey garlic served over creamy mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 cups cooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and butter until melted and blended.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- In a separate pot, simmer milk and chicken broth over medium heat.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and cook according to package instructions.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy, then mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the chicken over the macaroni and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
