High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Just wait until you smell this!

The aroma of honey garlic butter chicken mingling with rich, creamy mac and cheese will have your taste buds dancing! This dish combines juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze, perfectly paired with cheesy pasta—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making your cleanup a breeze. Trust me; this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is about to be your new weeknight favorite!

Why make this recipe

First off, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. We’re talking about a delicious dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Seriously, who doesn’t appreciate a quick meal after a long day?

Secondly, it’s family-friendly! Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love how much protein is packed into this meal. Consider it a win-win!

And let’s not forget the affordable ingredients. If you’ve got a few basic staples, you’re halfway to creating this culinary masterpiece. 🙌

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 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
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
• More spices: 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Directions

Easy peasy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the rest.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Lower the heat and toss in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.

3. Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, melt some butter to deglaze the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble.

4. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy.

5. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to keep it from overcooking.

6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to meld all those mouthwatering flavors.

7. Serve & Store: Enjoy warm, or divide the leftovers into four airtight containers for meal prep. (Check out the video below!)

How to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese (Overview)

To get started, you’ll marinate the chicken to really lock in that flavor. While it’s soaking up those spices, cook up the mac and cheese sauce, mixing in your gorgeous cheeses until it’s as creamy as you like it. Bring in the chicken, combine everything, and you’re golden! Just remember: toast that garlic! It makes all the difference. 😉

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

When you plate up this dish, the presentation can be just as enticing as the taste! The glossy, honey-garlic chicken pairs beautifully with the luscious, cheesy pasta. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and a lovely aroma wafting through the air. Serve it with a side salad or some steamed veggies for extra crunch. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef! 🌿

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

This dish is a great meal prep option! It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. You can freeze it too, and it will last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to devour it, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Simple as that!

Tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Chilling is not just for drinks! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance for even more flavor.
• Cheese It Up: Feel free to add more cheese! Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
• Pasta Alert: Under-cook the macaroni slightly, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Try New Oils: Swap out olive oil for coconut oil for a subtle taste twist.

Variation

Want to mix it up? Swap the chicken for plant-based protein or even veggies for a vegan option. You could also introduce some spicy elements, like adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze for a kick. 🍯🔥

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out elbow macaroni for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy option like coconut cream for a lighter or vegan version.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce a day ahead. Just combine them before serving.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

A delicious and easy one-pan meal combining juicy honey garlic butter chicken with creamy mac and cheese, ready in less than 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 3 pieces 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
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

For the Mac & Cheese

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika more spices for flavor
• 2 tsp garlic powder more spices for flavor
• 2 tsp salt more spices for flavor
• 1/2 tsp black pepper more spices for flavor

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Cooking the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Lower the heat and toss in the butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Let it melt and coat the chicken, then set aside.

Mac & Cheese Preparation

• In the same skillet, melt some butter to deglaze the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble.
• Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Combining

• Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serving

• Enjoy warm, or divide leftovers into airtight containers for meal prep.

Notes

You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance for even more flavor. Feel free to add more cheese. Under-cook the macaroni slightly to prevent it from getting mushy.

Keyword High Protein, Honey Garlic Chicken, mac and cheese, One-pan dinner, Quick Meal