Honey Garlic Chicken Mac

This high protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac and cheese is my go to meal prep when I want something comforting and budget friendly without sacrificing nutrition. The savory glazed chicken pairs beautifully with the rich creamy pasta creating a balanced and satisfying dish that works for weeknights or packed lunches.

I first made this on a rainy Sunday after cleaning out the pantry and it became an instant staple in my weekly rotation

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: provide lean protein and a juicy base for the glaze choose fresh and firm cuts
• Olive oil: helps lock in moisture and carry flavor use extra virgin for best taste
• Fresh garlic: adds intense aroma and savory depth crush cloves for maximum impact
• Butter: enriches both the glaze and sauce opt for unsalted to better control salt levels
• Honey: brings natural sweetness to balance the savory glaze local honey enhances flavor
• Fresh parsley: adds brightness and color chop just before serving for vibrancy
• Heavy cream: forms the creamy base of the cheese sauce choose full fat for richness
• Mozzarella: melts smoothly into the sauce creating stretch and creaminess
• Cheddar cheese: adds sharp flavor and balances mozzarella choose aged for more depth
• Elbow macaroni: is ideal for holding sauce cook until just al dente for perfect bite
• Smoked paprika: adds warm smoky depth Spanish varieties offer bolder notes
• Garlic powder: boosts savory flavor when fresh garlic cooks down
• Dried parsley: enhances visual appeal and flavor especially in the glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large mixing bowl toss cubed chicken breasts with olive oil minced garlic smoked paprika garlic powder dried parsley salt and pepper Let it rest for at least ten minutes while you prepare the other ingredients

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat Add the marinated chicken and sauté for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and lightly golden Lower the heat then add butter honey and chopped parsley Let it all melt and coat the chicken evenly then set aside

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

Using the same skillet add a bit more butter to deglaze the pan over medium heat Stir in freshly minced garlic and cook for two to three minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently without boiling

Melt the Cheeses:

Add shredded mozzarella and cheddar to the bubbling cream Stir constantly on low heat until fully melted and smooth Then season the sauce with smoked paprika garlic powder salt and pepper Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Cook the Pasta:

In a separate pot boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir over low heat for five minutes allowing the flavors to come together The pasta should be fully coated and creamy

Assemble and Store:

Serve immediately or divide the dish into four airtight containers Store in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk for meal prep throughout the week

Bookmark

My favorite part is the honey butter glaze on the chicken I remember serving this at a family gathering and my little cousin asked for thirds It made the whole table smile

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days For best reheating results add a small splash of milk before microwaving to restore the creamy texture You can also freeze the chicken and pasta separately for up to two months thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs or turkey breast for a richer taste Firm tofu works well too for a vegetarian version Use avocado or coconut oil instead of olive oil and plant based butter if needed For a lighter sauce substitute the heavy cream with half and half or thinned Greek yogurt

Bookmark

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal A drizzle of hot sauce over the chicken adds a nice kick if you like some heat Crusty bread makes a great side to scoop up extra cheese sauce

Cultural or Historical Context

Mac and cheese has roots in both American comfort food and early European pasta and cheese combinations The honey garlic butter chicken adds a modern fusion twist combining sweet savory and herbal elements inspired by East Asian and Mediterranean cooking styles

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs take a bit longer to cook through.

→ How do I prevent the mac and cheese from getting grainy?

Use freshly grated cheese and avoid overheating the sauce. Melt the cheese over low heat to keep it smooth and creamy.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of milk for the best texture. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight!

→ How long does it last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.

→ Can I freeze it?

Yes, but freeze the chicken and pasta separately for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.