Can I make this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days . Reheat gently (microwave or stovetop) and add a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I swap the chicken breasts for thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully with the honey garlic butter glaze. Just cook until fully done.

How do I make it even higher protein?

Easy: add an extra chicken breast, or stir in a little more shredded cheese and serve with a side of roasted broccoli. You can also use a high-protein pasta if that’s your thing.

What if I don’t have mozzarella or cheddar?

Use what you’ve got—Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend works fine. Just aim for cheeses that melt smoothly.

7 Irresistible Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Description

Sweet, buttery, garlicky chicken bites served with ultra-creamy mac and cheese. Cozy comfort food with a high-protein boost—perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

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 fresh parsley, chopped

For the Mac & Cheese

2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Marinate chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Let sit 10 minutes.
Cook chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
Glaze: Lower heat. Stir in 2 tbsp butter, honey, and fresh parsley until chicken is glossy and coated. Transfer chicken to a plate (or push to one side).
Start sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Melt cheese: Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Simmer on low 5 minutes, stirring, until thick and creamy.
Serve: Plate mac and cheese with honey garlic butter chicken on top or on the side.

Notes

Cheese tip: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Sauce too thick? Add a splash of warm cream (or a little pasta water).

Meal prep: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream to loosen.

Swap idea: Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop / Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1½ cups)
Calories: 830 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 1670 mg
Fat: 57 g
Saturated Fat: 28 g
Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 215 mg