If you’re hunting for a meal that’s as comforting as it is energizing, look no further than High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. This dish brings together the ultimate savory-sweet chicken glazed in honey garlic butter and swirls it into the creamiest, flavor-packed mac and cheese. Each bite is pure bliss — it’s satisfying, filling, and sure to win over family and friends alike. Even better, it’s loaded with protein and easy enough for any weeknight, but impressive enough to serve to guests!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great news: every ingredient here is straightforward, but brings a little magic of its own. Together, they create the unforgettable flavor, richness, and beautiful color that make High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese such a showstopper.

Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-rich meat that soaks up all the marinade flavors and stays tender.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick and delivers wonderful depth to the chicken.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses a punchy aromatic base that both the chicken and mac crave.
Smoked paprika: Adds color, complexity, and a deliciously smoky note to every bite.
Garlic powder: Doubles down on that savory flavor and balances the fresh garlic.
Dried parsley: Brings a subtle herby freshness to the marinade.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life in both the chicken and the sauce.
Black pepper: Fine-tunes the flavors with a touch of heat.
Avocado oil (or oil of choice): For searing the chicken and locking in extra juiciness.
Butter: Makes the chicken glaze luxuriously rich and takes the cheese sauce to new heights.
Honey: Brings that irresistible sweet balance to the savory flavors.
Freshly chopped parsley: For a pop of color and herby lift on top.
Heavy cream: Creates that velvety smooth mac and cheese sauce you’ll never forget.
Freshly grated mozzarella: For irresistible, gooey cheese pulls in every bite.
Freshly grated cheddar cheese: Delivers the tangy, sharp cheese flavor that defines great mac.
Elbow macaroni (cooked al dente): Holds onto all that cheese sauce for the perfect texture.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by tossing your cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade isn’t just for flavor — it also ensures the chicken stays juicy while cooking. Ten minutes is all you need, enough time to get the rest of your ingredients prepped for High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a splash of avocado or preferred oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it sear, stirring now and then, until it’s golden and cooked through. You’re aiming for pieces that are lightly crisp at the edges but still super tender inside. Lower the heat, then stir in butter, honey, and chopped parsley. As the butter melts and the honey glazes, the kitchen fills with the sweetest, buttery aroma! Set this glorious chicken aside while you move on.

Step 3: Start the Mac & Cheese Base

No need to grab a new pan — just add more butter to that same skillet. This picks up all those flavor bits stuck to the pan and folds them right into your mac and cheese sauce. Add minced garlic and let it slowly sizzle until deep golden and fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle bubble, setting the stage for creamy excellence.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Stir in freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, plus smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything’s beautifully melted and the sauce is thick, dreamy, and extra creamy. This cheesy base is what makes High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese famous in my house.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Boil your elbow macaroni according to the package — don’t forget to salt your water! Stop when it’s just tender (al dente), so the pasta can soak up all that glorious sauce later. A quick rinse under cold water halts the cooking and keeps it from turning mushy as you assemble the dish.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Add your perfectly cooked macaroni into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Let this concoction simmer gently so the flavors meld and every piece of pasta gets coated. In goes your honey garlic butter chicken, folding it right into the gooey mac for a final toss. Everything should be piping hot, glossy, and totally irresistible.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Ladle generous helpings of High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese into bowls or divide into meal prep containers if you’re planning ahead. This dish is seriously satisfying warm and keeps beautifully for lunch the next day!

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

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of smoked paprika. Not only does it look lovely, but these simple garnishes add a burst of color and hint at all the big flavors inside.

Side Dishes

While High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is absolutely filling on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies helps lighten up your plate and adds some crunch. Garlic bread is always a win if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the mac and cheese on the bottom of the plate with the honey garlic butter chicken piled on top for an elevated look. For a fun twist, scoop the mixture into ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden finish. Perfect for impressing at dinner parties or cozy nights in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even richer as it sits!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Make sure the mac and cheese is completely cooled, then wrap tightly or use freezer-safe containers. It stays tasty for up to two months — such a lifesaver when you need a quick, wholesome meal.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken or split the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and will soak up all the honey garlic butter flavors deliciously. Just cube them the same way and follow the recipe as written for your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.

What cheeses work best for this mac & cheese?

Freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar create the best blend for creaminess and tang, but feel free to swap in gruyere, Monterey Jack, or any blend you love. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible — it melts less smoothly due to added starch.

Is there a lighter version of this dish?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheeses. The flavor will still shine, though the sauce may be a bit less rich — perfect for lighter cravings.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Simple! Just use your favorite gluten-free macaroni or pasta and double-check your spice labels for hidden gluten.

Will kids like High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese?

Without a doubt! Kids will love the mild, creamy, cheesy pasta and the sweet-savory chicken. It’s a family-friendly favorite that satisfies big and small appetites alike.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall for a dinner that feels like a cozy hug, you owe it to yourself to try High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. It’s nourishing, loaded with flavor, and destined to become your repeat request. Give it a spot on your menu and make someone’s day — trust me, you’ll be craving it again before you even finish your plate!