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Ever find yourself craving a meal that feels like a warm hug but also fits your fitness goals? This dish is exactly that, a brilliant solution for anyone seeking a high-protein, low-budget meal prep that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort meal with a seriously nutritious twist, combining juicy, flavor-packed chicken with the richest, creamiest mac and cheese.
Seriously, who said eating well had to be boring or expensive? This recipe is a perfect staple for every week, turning simple ingredients into something truly magical. Let’s get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Beats Takeout Every Time
Beyond just being delicious, this meal is a powerhouse of practical benefits. It’s designed to be kind to your wallet and your time, without any compromise on taste or quality. You get a complete, satisfying dinner that also prepares your lunches for the next few days.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food combination, but with a smarter, more balanced approach. The honey garlic butter chicken brings a sweet and savory punch that cuts through the rich cheesiness of the pasta beautifully. You won’t miss the greasy pizza box, we promise.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life.
- Chicken Breasts: The lean protein star of our show.
- Olive Oil & Avocado Oil: For marinating and cooking.
- Garlic: Plenty of fresh cloves, minced for maximum aroma.
- Butter: Because everything is better with butter.
- Honey: For that perfect touch of natural sweetness.
- Parsley: Both dried for the marinade and fresh for garnish.
- Heavy Cream: The base for our luxuriously creamy sauce.
- Cheeses: Freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar for the ultimate melt.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for any mac and cheese.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Your Simple Kitchen Toolkit
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this recipe a success. A few trusty kitchen tools are all it takes to pull this meal together seamlessly.
A good, large skillet is your best friend here, as you’ll use it for both the chicken and the cheese sauce. You’ll also need a large pot for boiling the pasta, a trusty cutting board, and some measuring cups and spoons to get your portions just right.
How to make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese?
Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Give it a good toss until every piece is lovingly coated in those flavorful spices.
Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This short wait is a game-changer, it allows the flavors to really get to know the chicken, promising a more delicious bite in every single piece.
Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Heat up your large skillet over a steady medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook it for 10 to 15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir, until it’s fully cooked through and has a beautiful color.
Now, for the magic. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, honey, and that freshly chopped parsley. Watch as it all melts together into a glossy, incredible sauce that clings to the chicken. Set this aside for now.
Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet is a pro-move—it captures all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Add a bit more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat, scraping up any flavorful remnants.
Toss in your minced garlic and cook it for just 2-3 minutes until it’s golden and your kitchen smells amazing. Then, carefully pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble, getting ready to embrace the cheese.
Melt the Cheeses In
This is where the sauce gets its personality. Stir in your freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, along with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Keep mixing over low heat until everything is smooth, creamy, and dreamy. Be patient here, low heat is the secret to a silky sauce that doesn’t separate or become greasy.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente
While the sauce is coming together, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions. But here’s a key tip: cook it just until it’s al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it.
As soon as it’s drained, give it a quick rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process instantly, ensuring your pasta stays perfectly firm and doesn’t turn to mush in the sauce.
Bring It All Together
Now, add your perfectly cooked and cooled pasta directly into the waiting cheese sauce. Gently stir everything to combine, letting it all simmer together on low for about 5 minutes.
This final simmer is crucial. It lets the pasta drink in the sauce and allows all the individual flavors to mingle and become one harmonious, comforting dish.
Serve and Store Your Masterpiece
You can enjoy this incredible creation immediately, served warm and gooey right from the skillet. Or, for the ultimate in convenience, divide it into four airtight containers.
Just like that, you have four ready-to-go meals prepped for a busy week. It’s a delicious victory for present-you and future-you.
Tips for the Best Results Every Time
A little extra attention in a few key areas can truly elevate this dish from great to absolutely phenomenal. Here are some insights from Elly to make sure you succeed.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 10 minutes is good, letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes or even longer in the fridge will deepen the flavors immensely. It’s worth the extra wait if you have the time.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to al dente is non-negotiable. It continues to cook slightly when you add it to the warm sauce, so that initial firmness ensures a perfect final texture.
Reheat with a Splash of Milk: When it’s time to enjoy your meal prep, add a tiny splash of milk before reheating. Stir it well to bring back that freshly-made, creamy consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions: Make It Your Own
Don’t have every single ingredient on hand? No problem at all. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
You can swap chicken breasts for juicier chicken thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re out of heavy cream, half-and-half or even thinned Greek yogurt can work in a pinch.
For the cheeses, feel free to experiment! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a spicy Pepper Jack can create a whole new flavor profile. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave, too. Cooking is all about making it work for you.
How to Store and Reheat for Best Quality
Proper storage is the key to enjoying your meal prep days later. Let your cooked chicken and mac and cheese cool completely before packing them away.
Store the leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the components separately for up to 2 months.
When reheating, the microwave is quick, but the stovetop is best. Gently warm the mac and cheese in a saucepan with that splash of milk, stirring frequently until it’s creamy and hot all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs often take a few minutes longer to cook through completely.
How do I keep my cheese sauce smooth and not grainy? The secret is two-fold: use freshly grated cheese from a block, and always melt it over low heat. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent a smooth melt, and high heat can cause the sauce to break.
Does this dish taste good as leftovers? It honestly might be even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld and develop overnight in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it gently with that splash of milk to restore the perfect creamy texture.
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Description
This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal with a nutritious twist. Juicy, flavorful chicken meets rich, cheesy pasta for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Looking for a high protein & low budget meal prep? Look no further—this combo delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and serious nutrition in one satisfying bowl.
ingredients
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
Creamy Mac & Cheese
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients. -
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 (internal temp reaches 165°F). Reduce heat to low, then stir in butter, honey, and fresh parsley. Let melt and coat the chicken. Set aside. -
Make the Mac & Cheese
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble. -
Melt the Cheese
Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. -
Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. -
Combine & Serve
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Simmer on low for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Divide into bowls, top with honey garlic butter chicken, and enjoy—or portion into 4 airtight containers for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 680kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 36g56%
- Saturated Fat 19g95%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 185mg62%
- Sodium 1120mg47%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 48g96%
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Marinate longer for more flavor: Even 30 minutes makes a difference!
- Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente is key—it continues to cook in the sauce.
- Reheat with milk: Add a splash when microwaving leftovers to restore creaminess.
- Freezer-friendly: Store chicken and mac separately for best texture when thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly—they may take 15–18 minutes to cook through.
How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or cream and stir gently over low heat or in the microwave. This restores the silky texture.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! It stores beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge. Divide into 4 containers for ready-to-go high-protein meals.