Name: Irresistible High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons honey; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter (for mac & cheese); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

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Introduction

Irresistible High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken With Mac Cheese combines comfort food with essential nutrients for an active lifestyle. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also provides a nutritious boost with every bite. Imagine savoring creamy macaroni and cheese, paired with tender chicken coated in a sweet honey garlic sauce. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more, while also being mindful of your health goals.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible High Protein Honey

This recipe is not just delicious but packed with benefits! Here are a few reasons to love it:

High in protein, making it perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Utilizes high protein honey, which adds a unique flavor and nutritional value.
Easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Combines comfort food elements with health-conscious choices.
Can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste.
Great for meal prep, ensuring you always have a healthy option on hand.
Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner date.

This dish is categorized under Main Course and is a great example of American cuisine.

Ingredients for Irresistible High Protein Honey

Gather these items:

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter (for mac & cheese)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

How to Make Irresistible High Protein Honey Step-by-Step

Step 1: Slice chicken breasts thin or pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Warm through for 1 minute.
Step 5: Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 6: In a separate large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth, pale roux.
Step 7: Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until the mixture is smooth and thick (about 5-7 minutes). Reduce heat to low. Add 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Add the drained macaroni directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated.
Step 9: Ladle generous portions of mac and cheese onto plates, then top with pieces of the honey garlic chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and serve immediately.

Irresistible High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese - Irresistible High Protein Honey - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Irresistible High Protein Honey

Keep these in mind:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For a creamier mac and cheese, add a bit more milk to the cheese sauce.
Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
Consider using honey packed with protein for an extra nutritious kick!

Best Ways to Serve Irresistible High Protein Honey

Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dish:

Pair it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serve with steamed vegetables for added nutrients.
Top with extra chopped herbs for a burst of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Irresistible High Protein Honey

To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish is great for meal prep, so make a larger batch for easy lunches throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible High Protein Honey

What’s the secret to perfect Irresistible High Protein Honey?

The secret lies in balancing the sweet and savory flavors. Using high protein honey enhances the dish while keeping it nutritious. Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, and the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken well.

Can I make Irresistible High Protein Honey ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat before serving. This is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Irresistible High Protein Honey?

One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Make sure to monitor cooking times closely. Additionally, ensure your cheese sauce doesn’t overheat, or it may become grainy.

Variations of Irresistible High Protein Honey You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations to consider:

Switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the mac and cheese for extra nutrients.
Try different types of protein-rich honey to find your favorite flavor.

Irresistible High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese - Irresistible High Protein Honey - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit this guide for tips. You can also learn about the benefits of onions as a nutritious ingredient.

Irresistible High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

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Description

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken With Mac Cheese combines comfort food with essential nutrients for an active lifestyle.

Ingredients

Scale

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter (for mac & cheese)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

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Instructions

Slice chicken breasts thin or pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in honey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Warm through for 1 minute.
Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
In a separate large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth, pale roux.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until the mixture is smooth and thick (about 5-7 minutes). Reduce heat to low. Add 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained macaroni directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated.
Ladle generous portions of mac and cheese onto plates, then top with pieces of the honey garlic chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and serve immediately.