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High protein honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese in glass meal prep containers on marble counter

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

Emily Wilson
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect balance of comfort food and smart meal prep. Juicy honey garlic butter chicken is folded into creamy, cheesy macaroni for a satisfying dish that delivers over 40 grams of protein per serving. Ideal for healthy lunch meals for work, easy home dinners, and weekly meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight Meal Prep Containers

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 3 large chicken breasts, cubed about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Mac and Cheese

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni 340 grams, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked to 165°F.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in butter and honey. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the honey garlic butter glaze. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheese gradually over low heat until melted and smooth. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Fold in the honey garlic butter chicken and simmer on low for 3 to 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Notes

For extra protein, stir in half a cup of plain Greek yogurt or use high protein pasta. Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For meal prep, portion into airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Potassium: 620 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Vitamin A: 900 IU
  • Vitamin C: 6 mg
  • Calcium: 320 mg
  • Iron: 3 mg