If you’ve been searching for that perfect meal that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sticky honey and smoky BBQ glaze with buttery, garlicky potatoes crowned with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing, and once you make it, you’ll understand why it could become a fast favorite for weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly but each plays a key role in creating the ultimate comforting plate. From the sweet honey that balances the BBQ sauce to the creamy garlic and cheesy richness coating the potatoes, every element adds depth and texture to the dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high quality chicken breasts for lean protein or thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky BBQ flavor.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade to layer in tangy, smoky notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp the chicken and sauté ingredients for the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds mellow garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth of the chicken marinade.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A smoky punch that boosts the BBQ profile.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes: These creamy morsels are ideal for roasting and absorb the cheesy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the potatoes until golden.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides luxurious creaminess to the potato mixture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that enhances the savory notes.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture on the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the richness of the cheeses.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbal flavor for garnish.
How to Make High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Start by mixing together the honey, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade is key to achieving that irresistible balance of sweet and smoky flavors that will glaze the chicken perfectly. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up all the goodness. If you have extra time, marinate for up to an hour to deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Juicy Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and beautifully caramelized on the outside. The honey BBQ marinade will thicken slightly in the pan, clinging to the chicken with a glossy finish. Remove from heat and let it rest briefly to lock in the juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add baby potatoes. Cook until tender but still firm, about 10-12 minutes depending on size. Drain the potatoes well and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Toss Potatoes in Sauce
Add the cooked potatoes to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and gently toss to coat every piece. Let them simmer together for a couple of minutes so the potatoes soak up all that rich flavor.
How to Serve High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your potatoes and chicken for a vibrant touch that brightens the plate. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving to echo the deep flavors in the chicken.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed seasonal veggies to add freshness and balance. A crisp coleslaw would provide a crunchy contrast that tones down the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, arrange the chicken breasts on a large platter surrounded by creamy Parmesan potatoes, making it easy to share and enjoy. Alternatively, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of potatoes for an elegant presentation that highlights the melding of flavors in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you preserve the texture and flavors without drying out the chicken or losing the creaminess of the potatoes.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and potatoes separately for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and place the potatoes in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven at low heat to avoid toughness. Warm the potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to refresh their creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, which works beautifully with the honey BBQ marinade. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs tend to cook faster.
Are baby potatoes necessary?
Baby potatoes are great because they cook quickly and have a tender skin, but you can use any small or medium-sized potatoes. Just cube larger potatoes so they cook evenly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese options to keep it creamy and delicious.
How do I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?
For a quick homemade BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Simmer until thickened, then use in the marinade.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The chicken and potatoes reheat well, making this a satisfying meal to prepare ahead for busy weekdays or lunchboxes.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate while delivering on protein and flavor. The harmony between sweet, smoky chicken and rich, garlicky potatoes is simply irresistible. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new signature meal.
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High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken paired with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes is a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. The chicken breasts are marinated and cooked with a delicious honey and BBQ sauce glaze, while the potatoes are cooked with garlic, butter, and creamy Parmesan for a rich side dish. Together, they create a balanced dish full of savory and sweet notes that is easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cubed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes; longer if time permits for more flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes if not using baby potatoes. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain well.
- Sauté garlic and combine potatoes: In the same skillet used for chicken, add butter and olive oil and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet and stir to combine with garlic butter.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the cooked BBQ chicken alongside the creamy garlic Parmesan potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your complete meal!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if possible to enhance flavors.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the potatoes will be less creamy.
- For a healthier version, reduce the amount of butter and cheese in the potatoes.
- Make sure not to overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not falling apart.
