If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, protein, and a comforting touch of cheesy goodness, you’ve got to try this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe. It combines juicy, tender chicken glazed in a sweet and garlicky butter sauce with a luscious, creamy mac and cheese that’s anything but ordinary. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you feeling satisfied and fueled.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully, each adding a unique flavor or texture that elevates the whole dish. From the aromatic garlic to the creamy cheeses and perfectly seasoned chicken, you’ll appreciate how every component plays a key role.
- Chicken breasts (cubed): The lean protein hero of this recipe that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- Olive oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and boosts flavor during marination.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses both the chicken and mac and cheese with deep, irresistible flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that makes this dish memorable.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes without overpowering.
- Dried parsley: Offers a mild herbaceous flavor and lovely visual appeal.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors into balance.
- Avocado oil (or oil of choice): Perfect for cooking the chicken until it’s golden and juicy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky honey garlic glaze and creamy mac and cheese sauce.
- Honey: Provides a sweet contrast that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
- Freshly chopped parsley: A bright, fresh finish that lifts the dish.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that wonderfully smooth and indulgent mac and cheese texture.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: A blend that delivers gooey melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a sharp tang.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic shape that holds onto all the creamy sauce beautifully.
How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic starts here. Toss your cubed chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This simple marinade lets the chicken soak up those layered flavors, making every bite juicy and delicious. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—if you have extra time, a few hours boosts the flavor even more.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in your skillet until it’s nice and hot, then add the marinated chicken cubes. Sear until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Right at the end, stir in butter, honey, and fresh parsley to coat the chicken in a glossy, sticky glaze that’s sweet, buttery, and irresistible. Remove the skillet from heat and set the chicken aside — it’s time to move on to the mac and cheese magic.
Step 3: Prepare the Mac & Cheese
This is not your ordinary mac and cheese. Melt butter in a saucepan and cook minced garlic just until fragrant, letting that aroma fill your kitchen. Slowly pour in heavy cream as it begins to simmer, stirring in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until the sauce is velvety smooth. Fold in your cooked macaroni along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to give the dish its signature smoky, savory profile.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Plate up your creamy mac and cheese and place the shiny honey garlic butter chicken right on top or on the side. A sprinkle of extra parsley adds that final pop of color and freshness. This is comfort food elevated to a whole new level with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
How to Serve High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is always a winner here, giving a bright contrast to the creamy richness. If you want to add a little extra zing, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to elevate the experience without overwhelming the palate.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans to balance the richness. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the cheesy decadence perfectly, rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken nestled atop a bowl of mac and cheese for an inviting, cozy look. For a fun twist, layer them in a baking dish and broil for a few minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust on the cheese. This presentation is sure to wow guests and turn this home-cooked meal into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and mac and cheese in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a satisfying next-day meal that reheats beautifully without losing the dish’s soul.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Freeze portions separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the mac and cheese might separate slightly upon thawing, so a good stir and gentle reheating is recommended.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the mac and cheese seems thick or dry. Heat until just warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to swap in shells, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s a wonderful dish for meal prepping. The chicken and mac and cheese reheat really well, giving you a high-protein, comforting meal ready in minutes on busy days.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or low-fat?
You can substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream. Choose dairy-free cheese options, too, but keep in mind the flavor and creaminess will be a bit different.
What’s the best way to get the chicken extra tender?
Marinating the chicken is essential. Also, cooking it just until done—overcooking tends to dry it out. The honey butter glaze helps seal in moisture and adds that perfect tender texture.
Can I prepare this recipe without marinating the chicken overnight?
Yes, a minimum 30-minute marinade still imparts great flavor. Though an extended marination will deepen the flavors even more, this recipe is flexible for when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and utterly comforting. If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate but is packed with nutritious protein, give this recipe a whirl. You won’t be disappointed, and it’s bound to become your go-to meal for those nights you crave something special yet familiar.
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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, marinated chicken glazed with honey garlic butter and a creamy, cheesy macaroni side. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it balances rich proteins and indulgent flavors with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, cover the bowl, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or up to 4 hours for deeper seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and completely cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, add butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce. Next, add cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, followed by smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce and seasonings.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese and top it with the honey garlic butter chicken or serve the chicken alongside the macaroni. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor and comfort.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Cook macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
- Use full-fat heavy cream and good-quality cheeses for the creamiest mac & cheese.
- Adjust honey quantity to increase or reduce sweetness in the chicken glaze.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herby freshness; omit if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
