If you’re searching for a hearty, satisfying dinner that beautifully balances savory, sweet, and cheesy flavors, look no further than this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Juicy, golden chicken is glazed with a sticky honey garlic butter sauce and served over ultra-creamy, protein-packed mac and cheese. It’s a dish that manages to feel nostalgic and innovative all at once, making it just the kind of meal you’ll want to share with family and friends on any night of the week.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special in this recipe. Each component not only brings its own personality to the table, but also works in harmony to deliver amazing taste, texture, and color.

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, protein-rich, and perfect for absorbing the honey garlic glaze.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken pieces.
Unsalted butter: Divided for both the chicken and the mac and cheese, this provides creamy depth and that classic buttery flavor.
Garlic: Four fresh cloves infuse the sauce with bold, aromatic warmth.
Honey: Naturally sweet, it forms the sticky base of the irresistible glaze.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and balances the sweetness of the honey.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of brightness to cut through the richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of gentle heat, if you like a little kick.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the dish.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape, perfect for holding onto all the cheesy sauce.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The bold, tangy cheese that makes the mac and cheese shine.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the cheese sauce.
Skim milk: Keeps the sauce creamy and smooth without being overly heavy.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the roux, thickening the cheese sauce to perfection.
Butter for roux: Ensures a rich, silky mac and cheese.
Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the whole plate.

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

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside. This is the perfect base for your mac and cheese, and getting the pasta texture just right makes every bite extra satisfying.

Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This blend will become the glossy, flavorful glaze that takes the chicken over the top. Set it aside so it’s ready to go when your chicken is perfectly golden.

Step 3: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breast pieces dry, then season them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, letting it sizzle and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s golden brown and just cooked through. Getting a deep sear here adds a ton of flavor to the finished dish.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Glaze

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—you don’t want it to burn. Pour in the prepared honey mixture and stir well to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings to every piece. Remove from heat to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 5: Make the Mac & Cheese

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the skim milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Take the pan off the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and velvety. Add the drained macaroni and toss until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

To serve your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese, scoop a generous portion of the mac and cheese onto each plate, then spoon the honey garlic chicken right over the top. Sprinkle with plenty of chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Get ready to dig in!

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

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a great garnish! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and a touch of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the golden chicken and creamy mac. For even more flavor, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Side Dishes

While this dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, it pairs perfectly with crisp steamed broccoli, garlic green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad. These sides add a fresh, crunchy element that balances out the rich, gooey High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve the chicken and mac and cheese layered in bowls for a comforting, cozy presentation. Or try plating it as a casserole in a baking dish, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and broiled for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden finish. However you serve it, this meal is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making it just as delicious (if not even better) the next day for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The mac and cheese may separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it back together. Freeze for up to one month for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture of the mac and cheese. Warm gently, stirring often, until heated through. The chicken will stay tender and the sauce will shine just like it did on day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Try swapping in turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a plant-based twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your protein is cooked through and tender.

How can I make this even higher in protein?

For an extra protein boost, use chickpea or lentil-based pasta instead of regular macaroni, or stir a scoop of unflavored whey protein powder into the cheese sauce. These swaps blend in seamlessly and keep the dish creamy and satisfying.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check your soy sauce as well to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Stir in some steamed broccoli florets or fresh spinach to the mac and cheese for added nutrition and color. You can also serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and honey garlic sauce up to a day in advance, and store them separately from the mac and cheese. Simply reheat and assemble when you’re ready to serve your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the combination of tender, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta—especially when it’s as wholesome as High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a new favorite in your home. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and hearty High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken served with creamy homemade mac & cheese. This recipe combines tender chicken bites glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce with rich, cheesy macaroni for a comforting dinner that’s packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mac & Cheese

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups skim milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter (for roux)
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Glaze Chicken: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and forms a glossy glaze on the chicken. Remove from heat.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the skim milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
Serve: Plate a generous serving of mac and cheese, then top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra protein, substitute regular macaroni with chickpea or lentil-based pasta.
You can enhance the protein content of the cheese sauce by stirring in a scoop of unflavored whey protein powder.
Add steamed broccoli or fresh spinach into the mac and cheese for added nutrition and color.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control sodium intake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American