If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for comfort food that also packs a protein punch without skimping on flavor. This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe hits all those notes perfectly! It’s rich, creamy, and just the kind of indulgence you want after a long day, but with enough protein to keep you fueled and satisfied.

What makes this dish truly special is the balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and smoky paprika that blends beautifully with tender chicken and creamy, cheesy macaroni. I love whipping this up when I need a hearty dinner that feels like a treat but also keeps me on track with my nutrition goals. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this a regular in your weeknight rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s both simple and elevated—fresh garlic and smoky spices add depth, while two kinds of cheese bring the mac & cheese to life. Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand for this delicious High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe.

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts helps keep the protein content high and lets the marinade seep in evenly.
Olive oil: Perfect for marinating, it adds subtle richness without overpowering the garlic and spices.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—it’s the heart of the flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smoky nuance that I find essential for this dish’s flavor depth.
Garlic powder: A little extra garlic power helps build that savory flavor backbone.
Dried parsley: Provides a mild herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
Salt and black pepper: Basics for seasoning that bring out all the flavors seamlessly.
Avocado oil or oil of choice: Great for high-heat cooking to get a perfect sear on the chicken.
Butter: Used twice—once for cooking chicken, once for the mac & cheese—bringing richness and creaminess.
Honey: Just the right touch of sweetness to balance the garlic and spices.
Freshly chopped parsley: Adds fresh color and brightness at the end.
Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, creamy mac and cheese sauce.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: A combo that melts perfectly and delivers that classic cheesy goodness.
Elbow macaroni: Cooked al dente so it has the perfect bite to hold up against the creamy sauce.

Variations

I love that this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is so adaptable! Depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry, I tweak it to make it my own. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: Swap the chicken breasts for turkey or even firm tofu to keep it high-protein but change the texture. I tried turkey once, and it was just as juicy, so don’t hesitate to switch it up!
Variation: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta to boost fiber and protein even more. When I’m aiming for extra nutrients, chickpea pasta adds a nice nutty flavor.
Variation: For a lower-fat version, substitute half the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk. It still keeps the sauce creamy but cuts some calories.
Variation: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a touch of heat—my family loves that little kick it gives to the savory and sweet combo.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

First things first, cube your chicken breasts and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. I like to let this marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, a couple of hours in the fridge really amps up the flavor. Trust me, the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken is giving those spices a little time to settle in.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook until they start to get a golden sear on the edges—about 5-7 minutes. Add the butter and honey and let them melt together, coating the chicken with that irresistible sticky glaze. Stir in freshly chopped parsley at the end for a pop of color and freshness. One tip: don’t overcrowd the pan, or your chicken will steam rather than sear beautifully.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mac & Cheese Sauce

In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and slowly add mozzarella and cheddar, stirring until a velvety cheese sauce forms. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to give it that signature smoky, garlicky bite. Remember to stir gently and avoid boiling the sauce to keep the texture smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Serve

Drain your al dente elbow macaroni and mix it directly into the cheese sauce. This way, every noodle gets coated in cheesy goodness. Then, plate the mac & cheese and nestle the honey garlic butter chicken on top or on the side for a hearty, protein-packed meal.

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 always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and sometimes a little cracked black pepper for that extra pop of flavor and color. A dash of smoked paprika on top also looks gorgeous and enhances the smoky aroma. These simple garnishes make the dish feel even more homey and inviting.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is already rich and filling, I like to pair it with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli. The veggies help balance out the richness without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when entertaining, try serving the mac & cheese in individual ramekins topped with the chicken and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. It’s a little extra effort that makes this comforting dish feel special and restaurant-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so if anything, leftovers taste better the next day. Just be sure to keep the chicken and mac & cheese in the same container to let those flavors mingle.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but I recommend freezing the chicken and mac & cheese separately for best results. I portion the mac & cheese into freezer-safe containers and freeze flat for up to 2 months. When it comes time to reheat, the texture holds up pretty well without getting weirdly mushy.

Reheating

For leftovers, I gently reheat the mac & cheese on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen it up. The chicken heats quickly—either in a pan or microwave—and tastes just as good as fresh. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese sauce creamy.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and a richer flavor, making your dish even more indulgent. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream. For the cheese, nutritional yeast is a great stand-in that lends a cheesy flavor, though the texture will be a bit different.
How can I meal prep this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe for the week?

Prepare the chicken and mac & cheese separately and store them in meal-sized containers. This keeps the textures perfect when reheating. I usually portion about one cup of mac & cheese and a serving of chicken per container. You can reheat each quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop during the week.
Can I add vegetables directly to the mac & cheese?

Definitely! Lightly steamed veggies like spinach, peas, or broccoli florets work great stirred into the cheesy sauce. This is a delicious way to sneak extra nutrients into the dish without losing flavor or creaminess.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken and use the marinade to your advantage—letting it soak at least 30 minutes keeps it tender and flavorful. Also, cooking it on medium-high heat to get a quick sear helps lock in the juices.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I love how it combines comfort and nutrition effortlessly, and each time I make it, it reminds me why simple, wholesome ingredients are the best. I’m betting once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your house too—give it a go and see how quickly it disappears from your plate!