High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a rich, satisfying meal that combines juicy chicken coated in a sweet garlic butter sauce with creamy homemade macaroni and cheese. This comforting dish delivers bold flavor and plenty of protein, making it perfect for hearty dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender chicken, honey garlic butter glaze, and creamy cheesy pasta creates an irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and creamy textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is both comforting and filling. The chicken is marinated with flavorful spices, then coated in a buttery honey garlic sauce that adds a delicious sweet-savory glaze.
The creamy mac and cheese is made from scratch using mozzarella, cheddar, and heavy cream, creating a smooth and cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. It’s also ideal for meal prep since it reheats well and stays flavorful throughout the week.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for about 10 minutes. - Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. - Add the honey garlic butter
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow the butter to melt and coat the chicken evenly, then set aside. - Start the mac and cheese sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt over medium heat to deglaze the pan. - Cook the garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. - Add the cream
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. - Melt the cheese
Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. - Cook the pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce. - Serve
Plate the creamy mac and cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Avoid high heat when melting cheese to prevent grainy texture.
- Add steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
- A squeeze of lemon over the chicken can brighten the flavors.
- For extra protein, use high-protein pasta.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
- The honey garlic chicken can also be served with rice instead of pasta.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy variation.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 620
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 30 g
FAQ
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes. Divide the chicken and mac and cheese into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding extra cheese helps thicken it.
What pasta works best for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi also hold the sauce well.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Cook the sauce on low heat and add cheese gradually while stirring.
Can I bake the mac and cheese?
Yes. Transfer to a baking dish, add extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
- In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
Cook the chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
Add the honey garlic butter
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow the butter to melt and coat the chicken evenly, then set aside.
Start the mac and cheese sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt over medium heat to deglaze the pan.
Cook the garlic
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the cream
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Melt the cheese
- Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Cook the pasta
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water.
Combine pasta and sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well. Let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
Serve
- Plate the creamy mac and cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Conclusion
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the perfect comfort meal that combines sweet glazed chicken with creamy cheesy pasta. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and ideal for both family dinners and meal prep. With its rich flavors and protein-packed ingredients, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.