Cooking should feel rewarding, and there’s nothing more satisfying than a dish that brings all the elements together beautifully. One big win in our kitchen is a delightful high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with macaroni and cheese. This dish is not only comforting but also a scrumptious way to enjoy chicken and pasta together. Finished in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect whether you’re firing up the stove for family dinner or whipping up meal prep for the week.
The combination of sweet honey, fragrant garlic, and tender chicken, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni, creates a flavor explosion that feels indulgent without the guilt. It’s an excellent choice for those busy nights when you want something quick, yet packed with flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to treat yourself, this dish fits the bill.
Why you’ll love this dish
- Packed with protein to fuel your day.
- Quick to prepare, making dinner manageable.
- Sweet and savory flavor combination for depth.
- Cheesy, creamy comfort food that pleases both kids and adults.
- Great for meal prep; store and reheat easily.
"Eating this at home feels like a restaurant meal!"
How this recipe comes together
The journey begins by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. After a quick cook in the skillet, you’ll drizzle in honey and butter to create a rich glaze. Next, the mac and cheese comes together in the same skillet, ensuring you end up with fewer dishes to clean. Finally, combining everything creates a comforting, hearty meal everyone can enjoy.
What you’ll need
- 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 freshly chopped parsley
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (cooked al dente)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Chicken: Breasts are lean; thighs can be substituted for more flavor.
- Cheese: Use your favorite melting cheese; pepper jack adds a kick.
- Pasta: Swap elbow macaroni for cavatappi or rigatoni.
- Dairy: For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
The cooking method
This hearty dish comes together in just a few steps, making it an approachable yet delicious meal.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for about 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 the chicken is fully cooked through. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, honey, and chopped parsley, allowing them to melt and coat the chicken. Set aside.
Make the Mac & Cheese: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter to deglaze the pan, scraping any bits from the bottom over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer until gently bubbling.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking, then add it to the cheese sauce. Allow it to simmer on low for about 5 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Combine: Fold the cooked chicken back into the pasta and cheese mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
Serve & Store: Enjoy this comforting dish warm, or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.
Helpful cooking tips
- Marination matters: Letting the chicken sit in the marinade enhances the flavor significantly, so don’t rush this step.
- Deglazing: Use wooden spoons to scrape up any brown bits from the skillet—they’re packed with flavor and should be incorporated in the sauce.
- Texture control: Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be just al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the cheese sauce.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy balance. For a family-style presentation, serve directly from the skillet for a rustic feel.
Storage & reheating tips
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
- Dry chicken: Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken by removing it as soon as it’s no longer pink. Keep the sauce moist.
- Bland mac & cheese: Enhance flavor by adjusting your seasonings; don’t hesitate to add extra cheese or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
- Soggy pasta: To prevent it from becoming mushy, rinse the pasta after cooking and avoid cooking it too long in the cheese sauce.
Creative twists
Experiment with different proteins—shrimp could be delightful, or even heavy on the veggies with broccoli or spinach added to the cheese sauce. For a different flavor profile, try adding BBQ sauce in place of honey for a smoky touch. Substitute some of the elbow macaroni for butternut squash or any other favorite veggie for a colorful, nutritious variation.
Your questions answered
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, shrimp, or even tofu would work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the cheese sauce a day ahead. Just combine and cook before serving for a quick meal.
How can I add more flavor?
Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning in the chicken marinade. Adding hot sauce or paprika can ramp up the heat, while a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the cheese sauce can add depth.
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Cook elbow macaroni According to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, honey, and chopped parsley, allowing them to melt and coat the chicken. Set chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer until gently bubbling.
- Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and allow it to simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Fold the cooked chicken back into the pasta and cheese mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Enjoy this comforting dish warm, or divide into four airtight containers for meal prep.