Description
A delicious and hearty high-protein meal combining tender honey garlic butter chicken with creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
- 1/2 tbsp butter (for mac & cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for mac & cheese)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the pan with chicken. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add honey and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to coat chicken evenly and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 tbsp butter. Add cooked macaroni, milk, cheddar cheese, and parmesan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the honey garlic butter chicken over or beside the mac and cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- For even higher protein, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the mac and cheese sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 135mg