Looking for a satisfying, high-protein meal that won’t break the bank? This Protein-Packed Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Mac & Cheese is a perfect solution for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a sweet and garlicky butter sauce pairs beautifully with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and nutritious dish everyone will love.
Whether you’re preparing meals for the week or simply craving a hearty, protein-rich dinner, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the best of both worlds: protein-packed chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- High Protein: Each serving is loaded with lean protein from chicken breast, helping fuel muscles and keep you full longer.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Perfect for busy weeks.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients make this recipe practical for families or anyone looking to cook on a budget.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: Classic mac and cheese gets a nutritional upgrade with protein-rich chicken and a hint of smoky paprika.
If you’re a pasta lover, you might also enjoy other comforting options like Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta, Creamy Pesto Pasta, or a hearty Sausage Pasta.
Ingredients Overview
For this recipe, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Cubed chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
- Oil of choice (olive, avocado, or coconut)
- Butter
- Honey
- Fresh parsley
For the Mac & Cheese:
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Elbow macaroni
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
This combination creates a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish without requiring fancy ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your cubed chicken breasts. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate for 30 minutes or longer while preparing other ingredients.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked. Reduce the heat, then add butter, honey, and chopped parsley. Allow the butter and honey to melt and coat the chicken evenly. Set the chicken aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and cook minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese along with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, preventing overcooked pasta.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately, or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can easily accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability:
- Chicken Breasts → Chicken thighs, turkey breast, or firm tofu for a plant-based option.
- Olive Oil → Avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee.
- Butter → Ghee, coconut oil, or plant-based butter.
- Honey → Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar.
- Heavy Cream → Half-and-half, coconut cream, or Greek yogurt thinned with milk.
- Cheese → Provolone, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight containers (for meal prep)
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken and mac & cheese separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Top Tips for the Best Results
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even a 10-minute marinate enhances taste, but 30+ minutes is ideal.
- Cook Pasta Properly: Al dente pasta absorbs sauce better without becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Grated cheese melts smoothly and prevents grainy sauce.
- Gentle Heat: Melt cheese over low heat to maintain creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and add flavor, but cook slightly longer than breasts.
How do I prevent grainy mac & cheese?
Use freshly grated cheese, avoid overheating, and melt over low heat for smooth sauce.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in airtight containers and reheat with a little milk for the best texture. The flavors also improve after sitting overnight.
Protein-Packed Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Cheesy Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
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
½ tsp black pepper
Cooking the Chicken:
3 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Mac & Cheese:
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
½ cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, add butter, honey, and parsley, and coat the chicken evenly. Set aside. -
Make the Mac & Cheese:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 2–3 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. -
Cook the Pasta:
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. -
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Simmer on low for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. -
Serve & Store:
Serve immediately or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Notes
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: 30 minutes or more will enhance the taste.
- Avoid Grainy Cheese Sauce: Use freshly grated cheese and low heat when melting.
- Adjust Sweetness: Honey can be swapped for maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar.
- Protein Variations: Chicken thighs or turkey breast can replace chicken breasts. Tofu works for a vegetarian version.
- Storage Tip: Store chicken and mac & cheese separately if freezing to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min