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

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein? I’m excited to share my recipe for High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese. This meal is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something quick yet satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra protein for the family! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey garlic chicken with the creaminess of mac and cheese—an irresistible combination!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick family dinners that are ready in under 30 minutes.
• High in protein, making it a great choice for healthy lunch recipes meal prep.
• Easy pasta recipes that even picky eaters will love.
• Perfect for dinner ideas for large groups or a cozy family night.
• Comfort food that’s creamy and satisfying, ideal for weeknight dinner ideas.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious dish, you’ll need the following 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

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried 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. Serve & Store: Enjoy warm or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep. (Watch Video Below!)

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the chicken marinade.
• If you want to make this a one-pan meal, you can add some steamed broccoli or spinach to the mac and cheese.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the mac and cheese—gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist!
• For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.

How to Serve

This dish is best served warm, straight from the skillet! Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic option for dinner ideas for big families or gatherings. You can even serve it in individual bowls for a cozy family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking for easy food prep for the week, this recipe is perfect! You can prepare the chicken and mac and cheese ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy. It’s a great lunch high protein meal prep for the week option!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this creamy garlic pasta with honey garlic butter chicken! I promise it will become a family favorite. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my Deliciously Light Baked Tuscan Chicken or my Caprese Chicken Skillet for more inspiration. Happy cooking!