Can I freeze Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese?

Yes, absolutely! For best results, freeze the chicken and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Grainy mac and cheese is usually caused by overheating or using pre-shredded cheese. Always use freshly grated cheese , melt it slowly over low heat, and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese. This ensures a smooth, velvety finish.

What other protein can I use if I don’t have chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with turkey breast, chicken thighs , or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times and follow the same marinade and glaze steps to retain that delicious honey garlic butter flavor.

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken – Best High Protein Recipe

Name: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 tablespoons butter (for chicken); 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce); 4 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce); 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese; 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for sauce); 2 teaspoons garlic powder (for sauce); 2 teaspoons salt (for sauce); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)

Description

This high-protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful comfort dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Juicy chicken bites coated in a sweet-savory honey garlic butter glaze are paired with rich mac and cheese made with mozzarella and cheddar for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter (for chicken)
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
4 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for sauce)
2 teaspoons garlic powder (for sauce)
2 teaspoons salt (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
Reduce heat to low, then stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley. Coat chicken evenly and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and let it gently simmer over medium heat.
Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy.
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Simmer on low for 5 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
Serve warm topped with the honey garlic butter chicken, or mix together for meal prep portions.

Notes

Marinate the chicken longer (30+ minutes) for deeper flavor.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce and better melt.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key to maintaining texture when reheated.
When reheating, add a splash of milk to revive creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 400g)
Calories: 725
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 880mg
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 165mg