Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced comfort food: protein-packed chicken with creamy pasta
Quick and easy, ready in just 45 minutes
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
Flavorful marinade that makes the chicken juicy and tender
Rich, cheesy sauce that complements the savory chicken
Flexible recipe that can be adapted with different cheeses or pasta
Satisfies both comfort food cravings and nutritional needs

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Marinade:

3 chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking the Chicken:

3 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice
2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Mac & Cheese:

2 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked. Lower the heat, stir in butter, honey, and parsley until melted and coated. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until golden. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Combine: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Plate the mac and cheese with honey garlic butter chicken and enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added nutrition.
Try different cheeses such as Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for a new flavor profile.
Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas to the mac and cheese for extra veggies.
Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken marinade.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Marinating the chicken and cooking it over medium heat prevents it from drying out. Avoid overcooking.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shred it and toss it with the honey, butter, and parsley mixture before serving.

What pasta works best for mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi hold the sauce well too.

Can I lighten up this recipe?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check seasonings and sauces for hidden gluten.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned into containers for 4 days.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions.

What other proteins can I use?

Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can be substituted for chicken.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly grated cheese and keep the heat low when melting it.

Can I bake this dish?

Yes, assemble the mac and cheese in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Serve with the chicken.

Conclusion

High-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines indulgence with nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste. With tender chicken, creamy pasta, and a hint of sweetness from honey, it’s sure to become a family favorite.