If you’re craving something that feels like a hug on a plate, this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken cubes marinated in fragrant spices and garlic, glazed with a perfect honey butter sauce, come together with rich, creamy mac and cheese for a meal that’s indulgent, satisfying, and packed with protein. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that manages to be comforting and nourished all at once—perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress without the stress.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but well-chosen ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the cheesy macaroni, creating a balance of savory, sweet, and creamy that dances on your palate.

Chicken breasts, cubed: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious marinade flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and carries the aromatic spices into every bite.
Garlic (minced): Infuses both the chicken and mac & cheese with its unbeatable pungency.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth while brightening the color.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering.
Dried parsley: A herbaceous touch that balances the richness.
Salt and black pepper: Season everything perfectly to taste.
Avocado oil (or preference): For cooking the chicken to a golden, flavorful finish without smoking.
Butter: The star of the sauce that melts into luxurious silky goodness.
Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that pairs flawlessly with garlic and butter.
Freshly chopped parsley: Bright green and fresh, for an herbaceous pop at the end.
Heavy cream: The creamy base that makes the mac & cheese decadently smooth.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: Two types ensure a perfect gooey, melty, flavorful sauce.
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds creamy sauce and pairs perfectly with tender chicken.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts in olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where all those bold flavors begin infusing the chicken pieces. Let it rest covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the time—the longer the better for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your marinated chicken cubes. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the chicken is nearly done, stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to coat the pieces in a luscious honey garlic butter glaze. Remove from heat and set aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Mac & Cheese

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking just long enough for the aroma to bloom—about a minute. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until they melt completely, creating a rich, velvety sauce. Next, add your cooked elbow macaroni along with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tossing everything together until every noodle is decadently coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Plate generous servings of the creamy mac & cheese and crown it with your honey garlic butter chicken. If you love a bit of fresh color and brightness, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top. Serve it hot for the best experience of creamy, savory, sweet, and herby delight all on one plate.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brings a refreshing green hue but also balances the richness of the dish perfectly. For a finishing touch, you might also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey to complement the glaze’s flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is fairly complete on its own thanks to the protein and carbs, but if you want to add veggies, roasted broccoli or steamed green beans make great, simple accompaniments. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also cut through the richness and add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken atop the mac & cheese like a hearty stack or even mix the chicken right into the mac & cheese for a one-pot comfort meal. You could also plate it family-style in a large casserole dish, perfect for sharing and cozy gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and mac & cheese separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Freeze portions individually or family-sized depending on your needs, and always cool completely before storing.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated portions gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to the mac & cheese to revive the creamy texture. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cubed chicken breasts work best for quick cooking and lean protein, boneless thighs would add extra juiciness and flavor if you prefer.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and stores well, so it’s ideal for batch cooking lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Can I substitute dairy-free options for the cheese and cream?

Definitely. Use dairy-free margarine, a plant-based cream, and your favorite vegan cheeses to keep it creamy and delicious while making it dairy-free.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild and accessible for most palates, thanks to the gentle heat from smoked paprika and a touch of black pepper. You can always adjust spices to taste if you prefer more kick.

What’s the best pasta for mac & cheese in this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice since it holds onto the cheese sauce so well, but shells, rotini, or penne would also work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a true celebration of flavor and comfort. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress friends and family. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it your own — once you experience that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy, this dish might just become your new favorite go-to!

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 75 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious and hearty meal featuring high protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy, flavorful mac & cheese. Perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are glazed with a honey garlic butter sauce, served alongside rich macaroni smothered in a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with a hint of smoked paprika and garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

3 chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Mac & Cheese

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Add the butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring constantly to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter glaze. Once glazed, remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is completely coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Assemble & Serve: Plate the honey garlic butter chicken alongside or over the creamy mac & cheese. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, protein-packed meal.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to prevent texture changes.
Use freshly grated cheeses to ensure better melting and creaminess in the mac & cheese.
Cooking macaroni al dente is crucial as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with hot cheese sauce.
Avocado oil is preferred for cooking the chicken due to its high smoke point, but other oils can be substituted.
Adjust salt and spices to your taste preference, especially if using salted butter or pre-seasoned cheeses.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American