High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is pure comfort food with a powerhouse protein punch. Juicy, tender chicken is glazed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic butter sauce and served over a creamy, cheesy macaroni base. It’s rich, savory, and just a little indulgent—but still packs in the protein you want after a long day. Best of all? It’s quick to whip up, making it a hero meal for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Filling: Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish delivers big flavors without a big time investment. Perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to wait.
• Protein-Packed: This isn’t your average cheesy pasta—it’s loaded with protein from the chicken and cheese, helping keep you full and satisfied.
• Sweet, Savory, and Buttery: That honey garlic butter sauce is everything. It hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, garlicky, and downright addictive.
• Family Friendly: Kids love mac and cheese. Adults love honey garlic chicken. Put them together, and you’ve got a dinner that makes everyone happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about bold flavors and comforting textures, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and high in protein; they soak up the sauce beautifully. You can use thighs if you prefer more tenderness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce that signature aromatic bite.
• Honey: Brings sweetness to balance the garlic and butter. Use pure honey for the best flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the glaze. Go for low sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Butter: Unsalted butter creates a silky, rich base for the sauce—don’t skimp on this.
• Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni works great, but any small pasta shape will do.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that classic mac and cheese flavor.
• Milk or Cream: For the cheese sauce base. Whole milk or heavy cream will give you the creamiest results.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to a golden finish.
• Paprika (optional): A little smoky heat and color for the chicken.

Variations

Want to switch things up or cater to dietary needs? Here are some easy tweaks:

• Low Carb: Swap the mac for steamed broccoli, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower mash.
• Spicy Version: Add a touch of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
• Different Cheese: Use a blend like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the mac and cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas. Still delicious and packed with protein.

How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in the milk or cream. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy. Keep it warm on low heat while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter, add minced garlic, and cook just until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Let it bubble and thicken slightly, then return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well in the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of mac and cheese onto each plate, slice the glazed chicken, and place it on top. Drizzle over extra sauce from the pan. Done!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer and pull it at 165°F for juicy, tender results.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheddar will give you the silkiest sauce.
• Sauce Thickness: Let the honey garlic sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon for that perfect sticky glaze.
• Balance the Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in. If it’s too sweet, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can brighten it up.

How to Serve

This dish is satisfying enough on its own, but you can elevate it with these simple pairings:

Garnishes:

Top with chopped parsley or green onions for color and a fresh bite.

Side Dish Ideas:

Serve with roasted broccoli, a crisp green salad, or sautéed green beans to balance the richness.

Presentation:

Serve in shallow bowls to catch all that delicious sauce and melted cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika on top gives it that “restaurant” finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze both components separately. Freeze the chicken and sauce in one container, and the mac and cheese in another. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the mac and cheese in a pot with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a lid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and a little more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking. They work beautifully with the sticky honey garlic glaze.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can make it ahead and portion it out for the week. Store each portion with a bit of extra sauce to keep things moist when reheating.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the mac and cheese lighter?
You can! Use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly, or swap in Greek yogurt for some of the cream. It’ll still be creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate cozy meal that checks all the boxes: fast, satisfying, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a little indulgence after a long day, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you’re going to love every bite.

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