High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo—savory, sticky chicken glazed in a sweet and garlicky butter sauce paired with rich, creamy mac and cheese. This dish brings together bold flavor and balanced nutrition, offering a satisfying meal that packs a serious protein punch. It’s perfect for fueling your day while treating your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein to support active lifestyles
• Sweet, savory, and buttery chicken glaze
• Classic mac and cheese for creamy comfort
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
• Can be made with chicken breasts or thighs
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Balanced and satisfying all-in-one meal
• Great for leftovers and reheating
• Customizable with different cheese blends or pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the honey garlic butter chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Butter
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the mac and cheese:

• Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder or mustard powder (optional for flavor depth)

Directions

For the chicken:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 23 minutes.

For the mac and cheese:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in shredded cheese(s) until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
6. Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.

To serve:
Plate a generous scoop of mac and cheese with sliced honey garlic butter chicken on top or alongside. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Total time: approximately 40 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta for even more protein
• Try with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version
• Add broccoli or peas to the mac and cheese for extra veggies
• Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese in the sauce for more protein
• Try different cheese combos like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack
• Serve with cauliflower mash instead of pasta for a low-carb option
• Marinate the chicken ahead of time in the honey garlic sauce for deeper flavor

storage/reheating

Let the dish cool before storing.

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze chicken and mac separately for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Reheat chicken and mac and cheese on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to the mac if needed to restore creaminess

FAQs

How much protein is in this dish?

Depending on ingredients used, this dish can offer 3545g of protein per serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy—both work great.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes. It’s mostly sweet and savory.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.

What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but blending with mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan adds more depth.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

What can I serve on the side?

A green salad, roasted veggies, or steamed broccoli make great sides.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes—grill and then toss it in the honey garlic butter sauce before serving.

How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy?

Use enough milk and cheese, and avoid overcooking. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Can I make the chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, air fry the chicken and toss in the sauce afterward for a crispier texture.

Conclusion

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the best of both worlds: comfort food that fuels your body. Whether you’re looking for a filling post-workout meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, this flavorful dish delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition. Try it once, and it’ll be a regular on your table.

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