Description
This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken paired with Creamy High Protein Mac and Cheese is a delicious, protein-packed meal perfect for a satisfying dinner. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, while the mac and cheese uses high-protein pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce for a wholesome twist on classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Mac and Cheese
- 8 oz high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups unsweetened milk (dairy or high-protein plant milk)
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry, cut into 1-inch pieces, and season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (if using), and chili flakes (if using). Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Simmer Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour prepared sauce into the hot skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer while scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Let simmer 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Coat Chicken: Return chicken pieces to skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through and absorb flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add high-protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly; do not rinse to preserve starch for sauce adhesion.
- Make the Roux: In the same large pot, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a thick, nutty-smelling paste forms.
- Whisk in Milk: Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and parmesan cheeses in handfuls, stirring constantly until smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta into cheese sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate generous portions of honey garlic chicken beside creamy mac and cheese. Optionally garnish chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- Apple cider vinegar and chili flakes are optional but add complexity and mild heat to the sauce.
- Choose high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil varieties to boost nutritional content.
- Do not rinse cooked pasta to help the cheese sauce adhere better.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste preferences for a richer or lighter sauce.
- Garnish options like green onions and sesame seeds add texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
