If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s both comforting and packed with protein, this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is just the ticket. I stumbled upon this gem when craving something indulgent yet satisfying, and trust me, it’s a winning combo that hits all the right notes—sweet, buttery, garlicky, and oh so creamy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe makes dinner feel like a special occasion without any fuss.

What makes this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe truly shine is how the juicy, flavorful chicken pairs seamlessly with the rich, creamy mac & cheese. Plus, the smoky paprika and fresh parsley take things to a whole other level. I’ve made this recipe countless times and every time I do, I get compliments on how balanced and homemade it tastes — all while being filling enough to keep energy high, especially if you’re focused on protein intake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role: from marinating the chicken to infusing the mac & cheese with layers of flavor. You don’t need fancy stuff—just simple pantry staples and fresh garlic make all the difference. When shopping, I always recommend quality olive oil and fresh cheese for the best taste and texture.

Chicken breasts: Opt for fresh, skinless breasts and cube them evenly to ensure even cooking.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here for that pungent, aromatic punch.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Dried parsley: Adds a touch of earthiness and balance to the marinade.
Salt & black pepper: Essential to season and elevate all the flavors.
Avocado oil or preferred cooking oil: I use avocado oil because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Butter: Key for that silky, luxurious sauce both in the chicken and mac & cheese.
Honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to the chicken glaze.
Fresh parsley: It’s the finishing touch that brightens the dish beautifully.
Heavy cream: Gives the mac & cheese its creamy, dreamy texture.
Mozzarella & cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated for a smooth melt and fresh flavor.
Elbow macaroni: Cook it al dente – it’ll hold up best under the creamy sauce.

Variations

One of the best parts about this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak it slightly depending on mood or what’s in the pantry, and you can too!

Add some heat: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a little kick. It balances the honey sweetness perfectly.
Dairy-free variation: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy, vegan-friendly twist—I tried it and it was surprisingly indulgent!
Whole-grain mac & cheese: For a healthier spin, I substitute elbow macaroni with whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber and protein.
Add veggies: Stir in some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to the mac & cheese for a pop of color and nutrients—my family loves the added texture.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Perfection

Start by tossing those cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. I like to marinate for at least 30 minutes; sometimes I prep this the night before to let all those flavors really soak in. Trust me, it makes the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Honey Garlic Butter

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken cubes. Let them sizzle without crowding the pan so they brown nicely. After about 5 minutes, toss in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly in that glossy butter and honey glaze. This is where the magic happens—don’t rush this step; letting the butter and honey caramelize just right will have you craving this dish before it’s even done.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mac & Cheese

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the cooked elbow macaroni, then stir in grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese gradually until you have a smooth, velvety sauce coating every noodle. When making this, patience is key—low heat keeps the cheese melting silky and prevents it from becoming stringy or oily.

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

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

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the finished dish — it adds a fresh color contrast and light herbal notes that cut through the richness wonderfully. Sometimes, I also add a pinch of smoked paprika on top for a final smoky aroma that instantly brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I enjoy pairing it with a simple mixed green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans also make great companions if you want some extra veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe in mini cast iron skillets—each guest gets their own personal skillet. It makes dinner feel that much cozier and more intimate, plus it keeps everything warm till the last bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are rare but when I do have them, I store the chicken and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps prevent the mac & cheese from soaking up too much moisture from the chicken sauce and keeps textures closer to fresh.

Freezing

I freeze the mac & cheese separately in freezer-safe containers—though I’ve found the texture changes slightly after thawing, it’s still delicious for a quick meal. The chicken freezes well as long as it’s fully cooled, and reheats nicely without drying out if thawed gently overnight.

Reheating

When reheating, use medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps reintroduce moisture and keeps the mac & cheese creamy. For the chicken, warming it gently in a skillet with a little butter ensures it stays tender and doesn’t toughen up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier when cooked, plus they bring a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, since thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through fully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep and freezing?

Yes, it works well for meal prep. I’d recommend storing the chicken and mac & cheese separately to maintain texture and quality, freezing in portions, and reheating gently as described above.
What’s the best way to keep the mac & cheese creamy?

Use fresh, high-quality cheese and cook it low and slow while stirring often. Adding heavy cream rather than milk helps keep it super creamy, and reheating with a splash of milk or cream avoids dryness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in the mac & cheese. For cooking the chicken, use oil instead of butter, and consider a touch of maple syrup instead of honey.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes, especially when I want a meal that’s hearty but still feels special. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and never fails to impress anyone at my table. I hope you try it out and enjoy every creamy, garlicky, buttery bite as much as I do—because there’s something so comforting about a plate of good mac & cheese paired with succulent honey garlic chicken that feels like a hug from the inside.