High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe with you because it’s one of those magical meals that feels indulgent but packs a punch with protein. It’s perfect for those nights when you want comfort food that’s both hearty and healthy without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it on busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress.

What makes this dish stand out is the amazing balance between savory, sweet, and buttery flavors paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. I discovered this trick when I wanted a meal that could double as both a family dinner and a meal prep hero for the week. Plus, the honey garlic butter glaze on tender chicken cubes… well, it’s downright addictive! You’re going to love how easy it is to make and how satisfying every bite feels.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together seamlessly to create a luxurious, creamy mac & cheese paired with tender, flavorful chicken. Fresh garlic and smoky paprika add depth, while the combo of mozzarella and cheddar gives the sauce that perfect stretchy goodness you want in mac & cheese.

• Chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and to soak up all that honey garlic butter goodness.
• Olive oil: Used in the marinade to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
• Garlic (fresh cloves): Minced fresh garlic is key for that vibrant, aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and warmth—don’t skip this!
• Garlic powder: Double the garlic action for deeper flavor.
• Dried parsley: Gives a mild herbal touch to the marinade.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil): Great for a high smoke point to sauté your chicken nicely.
• Butter: Both for cooking the chicken and making the cheese sauce rich and creamy.
• Honey: The secret star that caramelizes with the butter for that irresistible honey garlic glaze.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds freshness to the finishing touch.
• Heavy cream: The base of your mac & cheese sauce for that silky richness.
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese (freshly grated): Mozzarella offers stretch, cheddar brings sharpness—together they create perfect melty cheese sauce.
• Elbow macaroni: Cooked al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.

Variations

I love that this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is flexible depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find that small tweaks make it your own and keep things fun in the kitchen.

• Swap the chicken for turkey: I’ve tried ground turkey instead, sautéed just like the chicken cubes—it keeps things lean and still so tasty.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. It won’t have the exact same texture, but it’s still super comforting.
• Add veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture. My family loves the pop of green!
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes really amps up the flavor if you like a little heat.

How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated—that’s how you build flavor right into the meat. I like to let it marinate for about 10 minutes while I prep everything else; this little waiting game makes a big difference in taste.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium and add avocado oil, then add the marinated chicken. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes, giving it a toss occasionally to brown evenly. You want the chicken cooked through but still juicy—watch for a light golden crust. Once cooked, turn the heat low and stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Let the butter melt and glaze the chicken beautifully, coating every bite.

Step 3: Build The Creamy Mac & Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet (yes—fewer dishes, yay!), add butter to deglaze over medium heat, scraping up any leftover bits from cooking the chicken—that’s flavor gold! Add your minced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, but don’t burn it. Then pour in the heavy cream and let it start to bubble softly.

Step 4: Melt The Cheese for That Luscious Sauce

Stir in freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and you have a silky, creamy sauce. I always use freshly shredded cheese here because pre-shredded ones often have additives that prevent smooth melting.

Step 5: Combine With Pasta and Simmer

Boil your elbow macaroni following package instructions, aiming for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed into the sauce. Add the pasta back into the cheese sauce and simmer gently on low for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. This lets the pasta soak up all that wonderful flavor.

Step 6: Serve Your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Plate up some creamy cheesy mac and nestle the honey garlic butter chicken on top or alongside. This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh but works beautifully for meal prep too.

How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even a bit of chopped chives on top for freshness and color—it brightens up the rich dish. Some cracked black pepper on the very end adds a nice little kick that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This meal is pretty substantial on its own, but if you want sides, a crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans complements it beautifully. Roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon zest are also a lovely pairing to help cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this mac & cheese in individual mini casserole dishes topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. It looks fancy but really just uses simple pantry staples and gets raves every time. Layering the chicken over the pasta instead of mixing in can also make for a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to divide leftovers into airtight containers and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the mac & cheese maintains its creaminess if gently reheated. Just be sure to stir occasionally if warming on the stove so it heats evenly.

Freezing

Freezing works well for this recipe. I recommend freezing the chicken and mac & cheese together or separately in freezer-safe containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep textures intact. Avoid freezing if your dairy alternatives are super different, as textures can shift.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream added to loosen up the mac & cheese. Heat gently on low and stir until warmed through. Microwaving works too; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a treat but is so straightforward to whip up. I love how it balances comfort food vibes with nourishing ingredients, and I know you’ll enjoy that too. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your go-to favorites just like it did for my family.

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