If you’re craving the perfect mix of savory, creamy, and comforting, this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe is about to be your new favorite. Juicy, marinated chicken meets buttery honey garlic glaze and is served over rich, cheesy macaroni — all in one high-protein, meal-prep-friendly dish. Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping for the week, or just looking for something indulgent yet nutritious, this dish checks all the boxes.
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Why This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese Is a Must-Try
This isn’t your typical comfort food — it’s a flavor-packed powerhouse. With a balance of sweet honey, rich butter, and sharp cheddar, this mac & cheese variation is both satisfying and protein-rich. The recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick meal prepping.
The addition of lean chicken breast ensures a protein boost, while the creamy garlic cheese sauce and elbow macaroni create a crave-worthy base. Best of all, it can be customized easily with alternative ingredients to suit any diet or pantry limitations.
What You’ll Need to Make It Delicious
• Chicken Breasts: Lean and high in protein, they absorb the marinade beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the spices and promotes even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced, adding bold, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Provides richness to both the glaze and the cheese sauce.
• Honey: Offers a natural sweetness that balances the garlic and butter.
• Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
• Heavy Cream: The key to a smooth, velvety mac & cheese sauce.
• Mozzarella: Melts smoothly for gooey, stretchy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy, it gives the dish depth.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic base that holds onto the sauce well.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that enhances the chicken and cheese.
• Garlic Powder & Dried Parsley: Elevates the seasoning without overpowering.
• Salt & Pepper: For perfect seasoning balance.
Ingredient Swaps You Can Try
• Chicken Breasts → Chicken thighs (juicier), turkey breast, or firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Olive Oil → Avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee.
• Fresh Garlic → Garlic powder, shallots, or onion powder.
• Butter → Vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Honey → Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for a twist.
• Heavy Cream → Half-and-half, Greek yogurt (thinned), or coconut cream.
• Mozzarella/Cheddar → Monterey Jack, provolone, Colby Jack, or vegan cheese blends.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Lower the heat and add butter, honey, and parsley. Stir until everything is glossy and coated.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cream. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking and avoid mushiness.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
- Serve or Meal Prep: Enjoy immediately, or divide into four containers for a high-protein meal prep option. Reheat with a splash of milk for best texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
• Let the Chicken Marinate Longer: 30+ minutes yields deeper flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It’ll get mushy when combined with the sauce. Stop at al dente.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses may cause grainy texture in the sauce.
• Add a Splash of Milk to Reheat: This revives the creamy texture when warming leftovers.
• Deglaze with Butter: After cooking chicken, butter helps lift flavorful bits off the pan for the sauce.
Serving Ideas and Recipe Variations
• Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade or cheese sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check all labels.
• Make It Baked: Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for a crispy finish.
• Pair It With: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies balance the richness.
The Nutritional Edge of This High-Protein Dish
This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese isn’t just comfort food — it’s smart comfort food. With a solid base of lean protein and the option to tweak fats and carbs with alternative ingredients, it’s easily adapted for fitness or weight goals. Each serving delivers satisfying flavor while supporting muscle recovery and satiety, making it ideal for athletes, students, or busy families.
Wrap-Up: A Meal Worth Making on Repeat
Whether you’re prepping ahead or serving it fresh, Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese brings the best of both worlds — nostalgic comfort and modern nutrition. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat. With simple pantry ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Don’t forget to reheat with care and freeze leftovers for an easy, satisfying meal any time.
Conclusion
Bringing together sweet, savory, creamy, and comforting elements, Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is more than just a weeknight dinner — it’s a recipe that satisfies cravings while supporting high-protein dietary needs. It’s perfect for meal prep, customizable for different dietary preferences, and packed with crowd-pleasing flavors.
Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing ahead for a busy week, this easy yet indulgent dish is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature comfort meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese?
Yes! To freeze, store the chicken and mac & cheese in separate airtight containers. Let them cool completely before freezing, and label with the date. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for kids or picky eaters?
Absolutely. The sweet honey garlic chicken and creamy cheese sauce are kid-approved flavor combos. You can tone down the garlic or spices slightly for younger palates if needed.
How can I make this dish lighter or lower in fat?
To lighten the dish, swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. Use reduced-fat cheese and opt for chicken breast over thighs. A whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta also boosts nutrition.
More Relevant Recipes
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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This high-protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the perfect comfort meal, combining juicy, marinated chicken with a rich, creamy, and cheesy macaroni base. Ideal for meal prep or a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or oil of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
- ½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for the sauce)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (for the sauce)
- 2 teaspoons salt (for the sauce)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for the sauce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Add butter, honey, and parsley, stirring to coat the chicken.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic for the sauce. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve warm or divide into four containers for meal prep.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 30+ minutes.
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; stop at al dente.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
