High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines comforting creaminess with bold, savory flavors and packs a powerful punch of protein, you’re absolutely going to fall head over heels for this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. This recipe strikes the perfect harmony between tender chicken bathed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce and rich, cheesy macaroni that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a plate that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s fortified with wholesome ingredients to keep you energized and nourished.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is what makes this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese truly special. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance texture, flavor, and color, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds.

• Chicken breasts (cubed): Provides the main protein, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
• Olive oil: A light, heart-healthy fat that helps tenderize and flavor the chicken.
• Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch both in the marinade and mac & cheese.
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that elevates every layer of the dish.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky essence without overpowering.
• Dried parsley: Offers a refreshing herbal note to the marinade.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors perfectly.
• Avocado oil or preferred cooking oil: For a high smoke point and smooth sautéing of chicken.
• Butter: The star for that rich, creamy, and slightly nutty depth in both chicken sauce and mac & cheese.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to contrast the savory garlic and paprika.
• Freshly chopped parsley: Offers freshness and color at the final stage.
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky, velvety base for the mac & cheese sauce.
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese (freshly grated): A classic duo that melts into a gorgeously gooey, flavorful blanket over the pasta.
• Elbow macaroni (cooked al dente): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto creamy sauce pockets.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This marinade isn’t just for flavor—it tenderizes the chicken, ensuring each piece absorbs a smoky, garlicky essence that shines through every bite. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes to really let the magic happen.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken cubes. Sear them until golden brown on the outside yet juicy inside. Lower the heat, then stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to coat the chicken in a luscious, glossy honey garlic butter sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory.

Step 3: Prepare the Mac & Cheese Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Slowly add in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Once warmed, mix in both mozzarella and cheddar cheese, seasoning the sauce with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This cheese sauce gets irresistibly creamy and flavorful, the ideal bed for your elbow macaroni.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your cooked elbow macaroni and fold it gently into the rich cheese sauce. The macaroni shells scoop up every bit of smoky, garlicky goodness, becoming creamy but still with that perfect bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Plate a hearty scoop of mac & cheese, then top with generous portions of the honey garlic butter chicken. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over to lock in flavor and moisture.

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

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds vibrant color and an herby brightness that cuts through the richness, making each forkful pop visually and flavor-wise. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also give that beautiful reddish hue and an extra aroma boost.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but if you want to add some fresh texture, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli makes a fantastic companion. Their lightness contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and the sweet-savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or a cozy date night, try serving the High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Garnish with microgreens or a wedge of lemon on the side for a splash of acidity and elegance that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers. This keeps the textures and flavors fresh and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much moisture overnight.

Freezing

The mac & cheese freezes beautifully in portioned containers, while the chicken can also be frozen separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the quality intact.

Reheating

Warm the mac & cheese gently on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive its creaminess. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to retain its crispy edges and buttery glaze.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni hugs the cheese sauce nicely, pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work equally well to capture that creamy goodness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and opt for dairy-free cheese and cream substitutes to keep it creamy without dairy.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to both the chicken marinade and the mac & cheese sauce to add a subtle kick that complements the honey’s sweetness.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?

Don’t overcook it and make sure it marinates long enough. Cooking it over medium-high heat until just browned and finishing with butter and honey in the pan keeps it moist and flavorful.

Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner?

Definitely! Marinate and cook the chicken in advance and make the cheese sauce and pasta ahead as well. When ready to eat, just warm everything up and combine for a speedy, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself to something that’s both nourishing and decadently delicious, the High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is an absolute winner. It’s the kind of dish that hugs your soul while fueling your body with good protein and vibrant flavors. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion!

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