Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken paired with creamy mac & cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal. The chicken is tender and full of flavor with a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, while the mac & cheese is rich, cheesy, and comforting. It’s the perfect balance of protein and indulgence!
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mac & Cheese:
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8 oz elbow macaroni
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
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While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Stir in the honey and soy sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and pour the honey garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside the mac & cheese.
For the Mac & Cheese:
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
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Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes).
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well coated. Serve with the chicken.
Notes
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For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
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For a lighter option, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for the mac & cheese.
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You can substitute the cheddar for other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.