If you’re searching for a crave-worthy dinner that packs a serious punch of flavor and satisfaction, look no further than this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken glazed in a sticky honey garlic butter, nestled next to creamy, decadent mac and cheese that feels like the warmest hug on a plate. This recipe isn’t just about feeding your hunger—it’s about fueling your body with high-quality protein and irresistible comfort, all in one hearty, easy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a vital role. Everything on this list adds a special note—whether it’s richness, bold flavor, creaminess, or that perfect pop of color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Chicken Breasts: The lean, protein-rich base for our main event—cutting them into cubes helps them soak up every bit of marinade.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and depth to the chicken while locking in flavor during marinating.
Garlic (fresh, minced): Provides that signature savory aroma and punch in both the chicken and the cheese sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky, almost BBQ-like depth that makes both chicken and pasta unforgettable.
Garlic Powder: Lends an extra layer of garlicky goodness with every bite.
Dried Parsley: A dash in the marinade brightens up the flavor and visually makes everything pop.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, drawing out the best in every ingredient.
Avocado Oil: Excellent for high-heat cooking, helping the chicken develop delicious caramelization.
Butter: Used for both the chicken glaze and the cheese sauce, it creates lush mouthfeel and a hint of richness.
Honey: The not-so-secret weapon for a sweet, sticky glaze balanced by zingy garlic and herbs.
Freshly Chopped Parsley: Adds a final fresh, herbaceous finish to the chicken before serving.
Heavy Cream: The secret to creamy, ultra-luxurious mac & cheese that truly melts in your mouth.
Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated): A duo that brings both oozy stretch and sharp flavor to the cheese sauce.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape holds the cheese sauce just right, so every forkful is pure magic.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the cubed chicken breasts into a big bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This quick marinade works its magic in just 10 minutes, infusing every bite with savory, garlicky flavor and keeping the chicken juicy once cooked.

Step 2: Sear and Glaze the Chicken

Heat your largest, sturdiest skillet with a splash of avocado oil over medium. Add your marinated chicken and let it sizzle, stirring until each piece turns golden and is cooked through—usually 10 to 15 minutes. Once done, dial down the heat and stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. This is when the sticky-sweet glaze forms, wrapping each cube in a luscious, aromatic coat. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, but don’t wash that pan yet!

Step 3: Start the Mac & Cheese Sauce

Using that glorious skillet (and all its tasty browned bits), add butter to melt over medium heat. Drop in fresh minced garlic and let it sizzle until your kitchen smells heavenly—about 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly pour in heavy cream, letting it bubble gently to set the stage for a rich, cheesy sauce.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in both mozzarella and cheddar, followed by smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until everything melts and you’ve got a dreamy, smooth cheese sauce. Trust me, resisting a “sample” at this stage is nearly impossible.

Step 5: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce is coming together, cook your elbow macaroni to al dente perfection using package directions—firm and never mushy is key! Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking, so your mac & cheese is silky, not sticky.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Gently fold your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring until every noodle is coated. Let it gently simmer on low for about 5 minutes; this little wait lets all the flavors meld and your macaroni soak up cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate a big helping of mac & cheese, nestling the honey garlic butter chicken cubes on top or to the side. Each spoonful delivers silky, cheesy pasta with bites of sweet-savory, high-protein chicken—the high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese you’ll want on repeat.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley goes a long way, adding freshness and color that pops against the creamy pasta and golden-glazed chicken. If you like a little zip, a light shower of cracked black pepper or smoked paprika on top brings out deeper flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty complete on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed greens offer a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese. Warm garlic bread never hurts, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the chicken cubes directly on top of your mac & cheese for a bistro-style presentation, or serve them side-by-side in a shallow bowl for a cozy comfort-food vibe. Mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins look especially inviting for guests or family, making every serving feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese keeps beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Divide portions into meal prep containers for instant, protein-packed lunches or easy dinners all week long.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftovers. Cool everything completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Tightly sealed, your mac & cheese and chicken will stay tasty for up to two months. For best results, freeze chicken and pasta separately to preserve their perfect textures.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore the mac & cheese’s creaminess, or microwave leftovers in 30-second bursts, stirring often. The chicken can go from fridge to pan or microwave directly—just heat until nice and steamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and even more tender when cooked, though they may add a touch more richness to your high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can swap in half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter cheese sauce, though the texture won’t be quite as decadent as the original.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

You sure can—use your favorite gluten free pasta and double-check that your seasonings and cheeses are GF-friendly. The rest of the high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese recipe is naturally gluten free!

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy on its own, but you can add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce on top if your household loves a kick.

Can I add vegetables to the mac & cheese?

Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas at the end for an extra nutritional boost and even more color in your high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with dinnertime all over again, give this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese a try. It’s the ultimate cozy classic reimagined—full of bold flavors, irresistible textures, and plenty of wholesome protein. Gather your ingredients and get cooking; this is comfort food the whole table will cheer for!

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this delicious High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with creamy Mac & Cheese for a satisfying meal bursting with flavor. Tender chicken marinated in a flavorful mix, cooked to perfection, and paired with luscious macaroni smothered in a cheesy sauce.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with olive oil, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Cook marinated chicken in a skillet for 10-15 minutes. Add butter, honey, and parsley. Set aside.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, cook garlic in butter. Add cream and let it bubble. Stir in cheeses, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni, drain, and rinse.
Combine: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or store in airtight containers for meal prep.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American