High-Protein Honey Garlic Chicken

This high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese is my go to when I want comfort food that still packs a nutritional punch. It is rich tender chicken coated in a luscious sweet and savory glaze paired with creamy macaroni that makes the meal feel both fun and filling. Perfect for hectic weeknights or easy meal prep the leftovers never last long in my fridge.

I made this when my partner was craving takeout style mac and cheese but wanted something healthier. Now it is our Sunday meal prep for the week and the only complaint I get is that it disappears too fast.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cubed juicy and full of high quality protein, I try to buy organic or free range if possible
• Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade penetrate, choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add robust fragrance and a warm bite, always use fresh for the best results
• Smoked paprika: Brings a deep smokiness, opt for Spanish smoked paprika if you like a richer flavor
• Garlic powder: Layers even more garlicky goodness, look for pure garlic powder with no additives
• Dried parsley: Adds a herby brightness
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that make all the flavors pop, try using kosher salt
• Avocado oil: Or oil of choice, perfect for cooking at a high heat and has a neutral flavor
• Butter: Gives a silky finish to both the chicken and the mac and cheese, look for European style butter for extra richness
• Honey: Sweetens the glaze just enough, real local honey tastes best here
• Freshly chopped parsley: Adds color and freshness at the end
• Heavy cream: The foundation for a rich velvety cheese sauce, use the highest quality you can afford
• Freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese: Melt best and give the sauce stretch and flavor, avoid pre shredded if possible
• Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta choice for mac and cheese, cook it to just al dente

Step by Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Toss the cubed chicken in a large bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated and let the mixture sit for ten minutes to soak up all the flavor.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat then add the marinated chicken straight in. Let it cook for ten to fifteen minutes, stirring now and then, until each piece is cooked through and lightly golden on the edges. Drop in butter, honey and fresh parsley, turn down the heat and stir until everything glistens and the chicken is glazed. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Mac and Cheese Base:

Using the same skillet to catch all those chicken drippings, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for two to three minutes until it is just turning golden and smells amazing.

Build the Cheese Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and let it come up to a gentle simmer. Slowly sprinkle in the mozzarella and cheddar followed by smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir often letting everything blend into a smooth thick sauce.

Cook the Pasta:

While the sauce simmers, boil your elbow macaroni in salted water according to the directions, stopping when it is just al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water so it stays perfectly chewy and does not overcook.

Combine and Serve:

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing well so every piece gets coated. Let it all simmer together over low heat for about five minutes so the flavors really come together. Spoon the honey garlic chicken over the creamy mac and cheese and serve hot. For meal prep, just portion into containers and store in the fridge.

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I am obsessed with the smoked paprika in this dish because it adds such unexpected depth to a comfort meal. Once I let my little cousin help stir in the cheese and we laughed as she stole more nibbles from the pot than what made it to her plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can provide a juicier texture. Ensure similar cooking times for even doneness.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

Use reduced-fat cream, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese for the mac & cheese, or replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk.

→ What can I pair this dish with?

A light side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli complement the dish while balancing its richness.

→ Can this be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Divide the cooked chicken and mac & cheese into airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days.

→ Can I add different seasonings to the chicken?

Absolutely! Experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning to tailor the flavors to your preference.