If you’re searching for the kind of dinner that’s utterly satisfying, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. This dish is truly the ultimate fusion of comfort food and smart, protein-packed eating: juicy chicken breast is coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze and paired with unforgettably creamy, cheesy pasta that just begs for a second helping. Whether you need a cozy weeknight meal or a special treat to impress your favorite people, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation—it might just become your new favorite tradition.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part? You don’t need a culinary degree or a shopping cart full of fancy ingredients. Every component in this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese brings something delicious to the table, building layers of flavor, tenderness, and pure comfort.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cubed, they’re the star protein that soaks up all the marinade flavor.
Olive oil: Key for a luscious marinade and locking in moisture.
Garlic: Four cloves for marinade and four for mac & cheese; fresh garlic means unbeatable aroma and depth.
Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, subtly smoky note that elevates everything.
Garlic powder: Builds on the garlic flavor for both marinade and mac & cheese.
Dried parsley: Brings just a touch of herby freshness.
Salt: Enhances every bite—don’t be shy! You’ll use this in both chicken and pasta.
Black pepper: Just enough for a savory kick without overpowering other flavors.
Avocado oil: Great for high-heat cooking; or use your favorite neutral oil.
Butter: Turns the chicken luxurious and makes the mac & cheese unbelievably rich.
Honey: The secret to that mouthwatering glaze—it caramelizes and balances the savoriness.
Freshly chopped parsley: For added color and a burst of freshness at the end.
Heavy cream: The creamy backbone of your mac & cheese sauce. No skimping here!
Fresh mozzarella and cheddar: Grating it yourself ensures it melts into silky perfection.
Elbow macaroni: The classic shape catches all that velvety cheese sauce.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your cubed chicken breast with olive oil, tons of fresh garlic, smoked paprika, a sprinkle of garlic powder, parsley, and just the right amount of salt and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes—just enough time to infuse those bites with savory, aromatic flavor while you get the other ingredients ready.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet over medium heat, add your oil of choice (avocado oil really shines here), and get those marinated chicken pieces sizzling. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes—just until they’re golden and fully cooked through. Lower the heat, then stir in a generous helping of butter, a drizzle of honey, and freshly chopped parsley. As the butter melts and honey glazes each piece, you’ll see (and smell) why this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is so irresistible.

Step 3: Start the Mac & Cheese Sauce

Keep your skillet handy—no need for extra dishes! Melt a little butter to pick up all those flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. Add your minced garlic, letting it turn lightly golden and super fragrant for 2-3 minutes, to start building that magical sauce base.

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Time

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and let it warm up until it just starts to bubble gently. Then comes the velvety part: Stir in your freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar, along with more smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it’s smooth, rich, and downright dreamy.

Step 5: Cook and Prep the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente (check your package for timing), then drain and rinse briefly with cold water. This extra rinse keeps the pasta from overcooking and ensures it’s the perfect texture once you add it to the hot cheese sauce.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked macaroni to your gorgeous cheese sauce in the skillet. Let it all bubble gently on low for about 5 minutes—the sauce melds with every noodle and picks up all that garlicky, buttery flavor. Serve the cheesy pasta alongside your sticky, irresistibly glazed chicken, and let everyone dive in!

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

Garnishes

Top everything with a handful of freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkling of extra smoked paprika for color. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper never hurts.

Side Dishes

Though High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese can stand proudly on its own, you can always round out your meal with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch balance out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into something truly special by serving it in individual bowls, layering the creamy mac at the bottom and topping with heaping spoonfuls of glazed chicken. For parties, try mini ramekins or even spooning the chicken over baked mac & cheese for a casserole-style showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, portion your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days without sacrificing too much flavor or texture—perfect for easy meal prep or office lunches.

Freezing

If you want to make life even easier, this dish freezes beautifully. After dividing into meal-sized portions, seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and give the mac a good stir before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and mac & cheese in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter to revive the creamy texture. Stir well, and it’ll be just as heartwarming as when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will stay just as juicy (if not more) and soak up the garlicky glaze beautifully, making your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese even richer in flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Definitely—just swap in your favorite gluten free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Double check your other ingredients for gluten content, and you’re good to go.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can use half & half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. It’ll still be creamy, just with a bit less richness.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

Divide the chicken and mac into individual containers as soon as it cools, and store in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats wonderfully, so you’ll have comforting, high-protein meals ready for any busy day.

How can I add more veggies?

Throw in some wilted spinach, steamed broccoli, or even sautéed mushrooms right into the cheese sauce before adding the pasta. It’s a great way to sneak extra nutrients into your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a truly memorable meal, I can’t recommend High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese enough. This recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and a satisfying protein boost every single time. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again before the week is out!