If you’re searching for a dish that combines comfort, bold flavors, and an impressive protein boost, look no further than this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, savory chicken glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce paired alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni that will satisfy cravings while packing in quality nutrition. Every bite delivers warmth and richness, making it a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to layer flavor and texture beautifully. From the aromatic garlic elevating both the chicken and mac & cheese, to the comforting cream and cheeses that make the sauce so irresistibly creamy, every item plays a crucial role in creating this hearty feast.
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed: Provides a high-protein base that absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps tenderize chicken and carry the garlic and spices evenly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Imbues savory depth, essential for that signature honey garlic flavor.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Intensifies garlic flavor for an extra punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a hint of herbal freshness to the chicken marinade.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all other flavors and seasons the dish perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spicy note for savory balance.
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice): Ideal for a high-heat sear without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates that rich honey garlic butter glaze texture you’ll love.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Gives sweetness that beautifully contrasts the savory spices.
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Additional butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for making the creamy mac & cheese sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Added to mac & cheese for aromatic depth.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The base for a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, adding creamy stretch to the sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and classic cheesy flavor to the mac & cheese.
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente: Perfect pasta shape to hold onto that savory sauce.
How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by creating a flavorful marinade that will infuse your chicken breasts with sweet, smoky, and garlicky goodness. Toss the cubed chicken in olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate deeply. This step sets the foundation for tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get a good sear. Add your marinated chicken cubes and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. To finish, stir in the butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley to create a sticky, shiny glaze that clings to every piece. This rich honey garlic butter coating is what makes the chicken absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Mac & Cheese
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it just to a simmer, then melt in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until silky smooth. Add your cooked elbow macaroni along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to coat every noodle in lavish cheesy goodness. This creamy mac & cheese is comfort food elevated to a new level of indulgence.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Plate your freshly cooked honey garlic butter chicken alongside or on top of the creamy mac & cheese. A sprinkle of extra parsley over the top adds color and a burst of freshness. The combination of succulent, glazed chicken and rich mac & cheese is a match made in heaven that you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a small drizzle of honey over the chicken add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika on top to enhance the warm aroma, giving your dish a professional finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is rich and fulfilling, lighter vegetable sides such as steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette work beautifully to balance the meal. The veggies add crunch and freshness that complement the creamy and saucy main course perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken diced and mixed directly into the mac & cheese for a one-dish meal. You can also scoop it into large ramekins and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust on top. This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is versatile, making it great for casual family dinners or a cozy date night at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover honey garlic butter chicken and mac & cheese keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and mac & cheese separately for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken tightly and store the mac & cheese in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavors fresh and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore the creamy texture of the mac & cheese while warming the honey garlic chicken gently.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and flavor, but cooking times may vary slightly. Just be sure they’re cooked through before glazing with the honey butter sauce.
What type of cheese works best in the mac & cheese?
Mozzarella and cheddar are the perfect combo for meltiness and flavor balance, but you can experiment with gouda, fontina, or gruyere for different twists.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter with dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free cream or milk option. Vegan cheeses designed for melting can replace mozzarella and cheddar to keep the creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter amounts. You could also incorporate cauliflower or vegetable puree into the mac & cheese to bulk it up with fewer calories.
Can I prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time?
Yes! Marinating the chicken for up to 4 hours ahead not only saves time but also intensifies the flavor, making your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe all the more delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe that makes it a standout in any home cook’s arsenal. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and hearty elements all in one. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—it’s sure to become a beloved staple for your family and friends, a dish you’ll be excited to share over and over again.
Print
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 combines tender, marinated chicken breasts glazed with a flavorful honey garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with a creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal that balances savory, sweet, and smoky flavors with a luscious, creamy texture, making it an ideal dinner for families or anyone looking for a hearty homemade dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
For the 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 breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Stir in the butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley, coating the chicken in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the cooked elbow macaroni, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat the pasta completely with the cheese sauce.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy mac & cheese either as a base or alongside the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on preference.
- This dish can be paired with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
