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

If you ever crave ultimate comfort food with a nutritional punch, my High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the meal for you! Juicy chicken coated in a sweet, garlicky sauce, paired with ultra-creamy, cheesy pasta—it’s honestly impossible not to fall in love at first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list! Every ingredient in High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is essential to build up flavor, color, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each component is easy to find and transforms a classic into something truly memorable.

• Chicken Breasts (cubed): Lean, high-protein, and perfect for soaking up the marinade and sauce.
• Olive Oil & Avocado Oil: These bring richness to the marinade and help everything cook up juicy and golden.
• Fresh Garlic (minced): Used generously for that mouthwatering aroma in both chicken and sauce.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Dried Parsley: This trio adds warmth, depth, and herby notes to bring the whole dish to life.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For spice and balance; essentials in every layer.
• Butter: Melted into both the chicken and mac, it brings creamy decadence.
• Honey: Adds a hint of magical sweetness to the glaze that clings to the chicken.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley: Gives lovely color and pops of herby flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Your base for the creamy, dreamy mac sauce.
• Freshly Grated Mozzarella & Cheddar: Melts into silken, stretchy ribbons—always grate your own for best melt!
• Elbow Macaroni (al dente): The classic macaroni shape is perfect for holding onto that luscious cheese sauce.

Variations

The beauty of High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is how flexible it can be! You can make it your own in dozens of delicious ways, whether you have dietary needs or simply want to use what you’ve got in your kitchen.

• Swap in Rotisserie Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken in a pinch; just toss in the glaze for that irresistible sticky finish.
• Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach just before combining pasta and sauce for extra color and texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free elbow pasta and double-check your seasonings!
• Go Spicy: Amp up the garlic chicken with a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in the marinade.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, plenty of minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Massage everything together (your hands are the best tool!), and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the chicken a head start, soaking up all that bold seasoning while you prep the other components.

Step 2: Sear and Glaze the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil (or your favorite oil) and toss in the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and fully cooked through. Lower the heat, then melt in butter and stir in the honey and those fragrant parsley bits. Let everything bubble and coat the chicken—you’ll notice the glossy, sticky magic immediately! Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mac & Cheese Base

No need to wash your skillet! Add more butter and let it melt, using a wooden spoon to deglaze all those tasty chicken bits. Toss in your garlic and let it sizzle for a couple of minutes, then pour in the heavy cream. As that heats up, the smell will drive you wild—rich and cozy, like a big soft hug.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Gradually add in your freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir slowly, and watch the cheeses transform into a velvety, smooth sauce. This is what takes mac & cheese from “yum” to “how is this so good?!”

Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine

While your cheese sauce is coming together, boil your elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking (this helps the pasta hold its shape). Add the pasta to your cheesy skillet and toss gently. Let it simmer together on low for about 5 minutes to let those flavors truly blend and every noodle gets a cheesy caress.

Step 6: Plate and Enjoy

Spoon a hearty helping of mac & cheese into each bowl or meal prep container, top with those sticky honey garlic butter chicken bites, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Dinner (or lunch) is ready—dig in while it’s warm and gooey!

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

Garnishes

For a pop of freshness and color, I love showering the top with extra chopped parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving makes each plate look as exciting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

On its own, High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is totally satisfying, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some lightly sautéed green beans. If you want an ultra-cozy meal, tuck in a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up the last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight gatherings or meal prep, pile the mac & cheese into individual bowls and nestle the chicken pieces right on top. Going bistro-style? Serve the mac in a cast iron skillet and arrange the chicken on a big platter, letting everyone scoop up their own perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe holds up beautifully for meal prep! Simply portion leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers extra tasty.

Freezing

While you can freeze High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese, keep in mind that dairy-based sauces may change a bit in texture. For best results, cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish or skillet. Add a splash of milk or cream if the mac seems dry, then warm gently until piping hot. Stir often to keep that creamy texture intact!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you get a chance to treat yourself to this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. It’s rich yet balanced, full of flavor, and easy enough for weeknight comfort yet impressive enough for company. Give it a try—your tastebuds (and your protein goals) will thank you!

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