Juicy High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac

The aroma of sizzling garlic and smoky paprika fills the kitchen as you prepare an irresistible dish that is bound to impress your family and friends. This Juicy High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac combines tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni, making it a comforting and hearty meal. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a dish that boasts both flavor and nutrition.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet easy to prepare. It’s also great for meal prepping; just store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The honey garlic sauce creates a tantalizingly sweet and savory flavor.
• Freshly grated cheeses melt beautifully for a creamy texture.
• The combination of pasta and protein makes for a filling meal.
• Quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Searing

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

Use low-sugar honey for a lighter option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
• Olive oil can be replaced with vegetable oil.
• Heavy cream can be swapped for half-and-half for fewer calories.
• Mozzarella cheese can be omitted or replaced with a similar cheese.

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Ensure all pieces are well-coated.
2. Sear the chicken in a large skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

3. Melt butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4. Combine honey and heavy cream with the garlic in the skillet, stirring well to create a creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and combined. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

6. Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, folding it into the mac and cheese mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No; the pasta may become mushy.
Reheat: Use the stove over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese for maximum creaminess.
• Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente for the best texture.
• Adjust the honey to taste for desired sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a light salad to contrast the richness of the dish.
• Enjoy with crusty bread to scoop up every last bite.