High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

This cozy, protein-packed mashup turns two weeknight favorites into one showstopping skillet meal. Tender cubes of chicken get a quick garlicky marinade and a glossy honey butter finish while mac and cheese simmers creamy and dreamy beside it. It’s a great solution when you want comfort without a long cook time, and it doubles easily for meal prep. If you like a similar flavor profile with a crisp finish, try this air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders for a playful twist.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe balances convenience, flavor, and nutrition in a single skillet friendly dinner. It’s high in protein from generous chicken portions and elevated by a honey garlic butter glaze that’s sticky without overpowering. The mac and cheese brings familiarity and creaminess that kids and adults both love, while smoked paprika and garlic powder lift every bite. It’s efficient to prep, cooks quickly, and keeps well for a few days making it ideal for busy evenings or packed lunches. If you want to swap the pasta for a pillowier option, check out this cowboy butter garlic chicken tortellini fire roasted peppers for inspiration and more bold combinations.

Flavor and Texture

Expect contrasting textures that play together beautifully: crisped edges on the browned chicken give way to a glossy butter and honey coating. The garlic notes are bright and warming, while smoked paprika adds a subtle, earthy smokiness. The cheese sauce is silky and thick, clinging perfectly to al dente elbows so each forkful is indulgent without being gummy. Fresh parsley at the finish adds a pop of color and a clean herbal lift that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Ingredients

– 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 tbsp butter
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 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
– 2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low and stir 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, add butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble.
4. Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Finish: Fold the honey garlic butter chicken into the mac and cheese or spoon it over individual servings, coating the chicken in any remaining sauce.
8. Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. (Watch Video Below!)

Tips for Best Results

Pat the chicken dry before marinating for better browning and more texture. Don’t rush the cheese melting step; low heat and gentle stirring keep the sauce silky. Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce and during storage. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end because the cheese and butter can mellow saltiness. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the finished plate.

Storage and Make Ahead

Cool leftovers completely before sealing in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish will keep well for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals. For freezer storage, portion into meal sized containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

Final Thought

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese brings cozy classic comfort to a protein-forward plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for company, and the meal prep-friendly format means you get delicious leftovers. Keep the flavors balanced and the textures varied and this will become a repeat favorite.

FAQ

Print