High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese 🍗🧀🍯

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comfort food dish that’s both indulgent and high in protein, this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate choice. Juicy, tender chicken cubes glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce are paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. With only about 45 minutes from start to finish, it combines rich, comforting flavors with high-protein ingredients, making it a balanced option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on nutrition.

The dish features smoky paprika, garlic, and melted mozzarella and cheddar, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and complements the sweet-savory chicken perfectly. Every bite is indulgent yet nourishing, offering a protein-packed twist on classic mac & cheese.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

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

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
• ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese

For the Pasta

• 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Medium saucepan for macaroni
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden. Stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté an additional 2 cloves of minced garlic in butter for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream and allow it to bubble gently. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and creamy, forming a rich cheese sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Simmer on low for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Add Chicken

Return the cooked honey garlic butter chicken to the skillet, gently tossing to combine with the macaroni and cheese. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the cheesy, sweet-savory sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cubes cook quickly; remove from heat once fully cooked to retain juiciness.
• Cheese Sauce Consistency: Simmer gently and stir continuously to avoid separation. Add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even 10 minutes gives the chicken a nice depth of flavor; longer is better.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
• Customize: Add spinach, broccoli, or roasted vegetables to the pasta for extra nutrients.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving, approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 34g (Saturated: 20g, Unsaturated: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 800mg

This meal is high in protein, rich in flavor, and satisfying, making it perfect for athletes, families, or anyone seeking a comforting yet balanced dinner.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. Thighs will be juicier and slightly more flavorful, but adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.

2. Can I make this lower in fat?

Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and low-fat cheese. You can also reduce butter slightly.

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook chicken and pasta separately, then combine with the cheese sauce when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional elbow macaroni.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Broccoli, spinach, or peas work well and add fiber, vitamins, and color.

6. Can this be frozen?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers, but for best texture, avoid freezing the pasta with cheese sauce. Freeze chicken separately and combine when reheating.

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is comfort food elevated with protein and flavor, making it a weeknight favorite or meal-prep winner. With creamy pasta, juicy honey garlic chicken, and melty cheese, every bite delivers rich, satisfying taste while keeping your meals nutritious and protein-packed.