High-Protein Honey Garlic Chicken

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese is comfort food that feels a little fancy but is secretly simple enough for any weeknight. Juicy homemade-marinated chicken joins rich and creamy elbow macaroni for a super satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first whipped this up on a busy school night while trying to satisfy both my cheesy pasta fans and my protein-loving husband. Now it is a go-to when we want something cozy yet wholesome.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts cubed: choose fresh chicken for juiciest results
• Olive oil: coats the chicken for an even marinade use extra virgin when possible
• Fresh garlic: delivers bold flavor mince it yourself for the best punch
• Smoked paprika: enhances smokiness Spanish varieties are great if you have them
• Garlic powder: layers in extra garlic taste
• Dried parsley: brings an herby boost
• Salt and black pepper: season everything to perfection use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
• Avocado oil for cooking: adds healthy fats and high smoke point
• Butter: brings rich depth to both chicken and pasta choose high quality for best results
• Honey: balances the savory with gentle sweetness get a floral local honey if you can
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: gives fresh color and bite
• Macaroni elbows: classic or try whole wheat for extra nutrition
• Heavy cream: makes the cheese sauce extra luscious
• Mozzarella cheese: freshly grated melts smoothly
• Cheddar cheese: for sharp tang freshly grate to melt best
• Extra garlic for the mac: because you can never have enough
• More smoked paprika and garlic powder: to echo chicken flavors
• Salt and black pepper: tie everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine cubed chicken with olive oil minced garlic smoked paprika garlic powder dried parsley salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until every piece is well coated and let it sit while you prep the rest for at least ten minutes to infuse all that flavor

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium. Add avocado oil and then the marinated chicken. Stir occasionally for ten to fifteen minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Lower the heat and add butter honey and chopped parsley stirring until the chicken is glazed and fragrant. Set aside but keep warm

Start the Mac and Cheese Base:

In the same skillet add butter and let it melt to pick up every tasty bit left from the chicken. Add minced garlic and saute gently for two to three minutes until soft and golden but not brown. Pour in heavy cream and keep it bubbling gently so it thickens slightly

Melt the Cheese into the Sauce:

Sprinkle in mozzarella cheddar smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper. Stir slowly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and shiny

Cook and Drain the Pasta:

Boil the elbow macaroni to al dente. Drain then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and avoid mushy noodles

Combine Everything:

Pour the pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low for five minutes to allow flavors to fully meld and the sauce to thicken around the pasta

Serve or Store:

Spoon generous portions of pasta into bowls then top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Enjoy right away or divide into airtight containers for easy meal prep

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Every time I serve this my daughter insists on sneaking extra sauce from the bottom of the pan. I love watching my family gather around for this ultimate comfort meal

Storage Tips

Let both pasta and chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Separate into containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs or rotisserie chicken if needed. Greek yogurt can lighten up the cream sauce and your favorite vegan butter or cheese can make this dish dairy-free without missing out on taste

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for color and crunch. Fresh fruit or a tangy pickle on the side cuts through the richness

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A Bit of Backstory

Mac and cheese dates back centuries and everyone has their own spin on it. Tossing it with sweet garlicky chicken gives a nod to comfort classic dishes with a craveable modern flair. This recipe grew from combining two family favorites in our kitchen and quickly became a sought-after dinner

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Marinate the chicken thoroughly and avoid overcooking. Remove from heat when just cooked through and keep covered until serving.

→ Can I use different cheeses in the mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Swap in gruyère, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melting cheese for new flavors and textures.

→ Is it possible to use thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well. They may need slightly longer to cook but stay juicy and flavorful.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place cooled portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

→ Can this dish be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes, assemble and portion in containers. The dish reheats well, so it's excellent for advance meal planning.