This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese packs everything we love about comfort food into one powerfully delicious and nourishing meal. Tender morsels of chicken, coated in a glossy, sweet-savory honey garlic butter sauce, find their perfect match alongside luscious, creamy mac and cheese. Not only is this dish ridiculously satisfying, but it also delivers a punch of protein to fuel you through your day, whether you’re powering up for the week or sharing with friends on a special occasion.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese comes from a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Each element brings its own charm, contributing flavor, creaminess, and texture that make this dish so crave-worthy.

Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Adds silky richness to both the chicken sauce and mac & cheese.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible aromatic punch.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness and creates a sticky glaze for the chicken.
Soy sauce or tamari: Infuses the dish with a savory depth and balances out the sweetness.
Black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all those delicious flavors.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, bold-flavored sauce for the mac & cheese.
Low-fat milk: Keeps the cheese sauce creamy without being too heavy.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to perfection.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky depth for those who want an extra layer of flavor.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente – you want the pasta to have some bite, so it won’t go mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce. Once the noodles are just right, drain them and set aside. This step sets the stage for seriously satisfying mac & cheese!

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a golden roux. Give it about a minute to cook off any raw flavor. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, and watch as it thickens into a smooth, velvety base. Take off the heat and stir in your sharp cheddar cheese until it transforms into a luscious sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you love a hint of smokiness. Fold in your cooked macaroni so every bite is blanketed in creamy goodness.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Now it’s time to build that iconic flavor for the High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese! Grab a large skillet, add butter, and gently sauté the minced garlic. Make sure to stop when the garlic is just fragrant — about a minute — to keep it from burning. This simple step fills your kitchen with a savory aroma and is the foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add your chicken pieces to the skillet and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through, usually around 7–8 minutes. The chicken will soak up the garlicky butter flavors and develop a beautifully tender texture that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Stir honey and soy sauce into the pan with your chicken, then let everything simmer for a few minutes. The chicken gets coated in a shiny, sweet-savory glaze that clings to every piece. Allow the sauce to reduce just enough to thicken and intensify the flavors – this gorgeous glaze is truly what makes High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese unforgettable.

Step 6: Serve Everything Together

Now for the best part! Serve generous spoonfuls of the creamy mac & cheese on plates, then pile the honey garlic butter chicken over the top or alongside. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over everything for that extra punch of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

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

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way here! Scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions over your High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. Not only does it brighten up the plate, but those fresh herbs add a welcome hint of freshness that balances the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is a total showstopper all on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider adding steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A crisp side salad with a citrusy vinaigrette also brings contrast and keeps things feeling light, making your plate extra inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, serve High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a bistro-style experience. You can layer the chicken on top of the mac & cheese for a dramatic presentation, or arrange everything family-style so everyone can build their own perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches. Store the chicken and mac & cheese separately if you want the textures to stay at their best.

Freezing

Both the chicken and mac & cheese can be frozen, although the cheese sauce may lose some creaminess when thawed. To freeze, cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to a month. To keep the sauce smooth, add a splash of milk when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring the mac & cheese and chicken separately to preserve their textures. Add a splash of milk or water to the pasta before reheating to bring back creaminess. The honey garlic butter sauce comes back to life easily with a warm-up — just be sure not to overcook the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent choice if you prefer juicier, even more flavorful results. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

Is there a way to boost the protein even more?

For extra protein, try stirring a big spoonful of Greek yogurt into the cheese sauce (off the heat) or topping the finished plate with toasted hemp hearts or pumpkin seeds for a fun crunch and nutritional boost.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free macaroni and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux in the cheese sauce, and you’re all set.

What vegetables can I add to make it more of a balanced meal?

Steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach blend right into the mac & cheese for a hearty, veggie-boosted plate. You can also stir in roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.

Can I prep this dish ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the chicken and mac & cheese up to a day in advance. Store separately, then reheat and combine just before serving. It’s a fabulous option for gatherings since it feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about sharing a plate of High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese — rich, flavorful, and nourishing all at once. Whether you’re craving some weeknight comfort or looking to impress your friends, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try and let the flavors (and smiles!) speak for themselves.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in this savory-sweet High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken paired with creamy Mac & Cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Mac & Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened and smooth, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and keep warm.
Cook the Chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Stir in honey, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
Serve: Serve the honey garlic butter chicken over or alongside the mac & cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.