High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

If you crave a meal that’s both comforting and packed with protein, you’ll love this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe. It combines tender chicken glazed in a fragrant honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe balances rich flavors and nutritious ingredients to fuel your body while satisfying your taste buds—trust me, it’s a game changer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combines chicken and cheese for a satisfying boost of muscle-friendly protein.
• Rich and Flavorful: Honey garlic butter makes every bite irresistibly savory and sweet.
• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy mac & cheese paired with perfectly cooked chicken hits the cozy spot.
• Simple and Quick: Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find and quick to cook.
• Customizable Meal: Can be adapted with vegetables, spices, or protein swaps for any diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe plays a vital role in crafting the ultimate harmony of flavors and textures. With simple staples coming together, you’ll get that creamy, tangy, sweet, and buttery profile that makes this meal unforgettable.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for lean, high-protein meat that cooks evenly.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the garlic and butter.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides a strong, aromatic base.
• Butter: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape soaks up all the creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty for that signature mac & cheese flavor.
• Milk: Helps achieve a smooth, creamy cheese sauce with the right consistency.
• Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce into a luscious texture.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the delicious components.

Variations for High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs without losing any of its charm. Experiment with these ideas or come up with your own creative versions.

• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Swap the pasta: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles for variation.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for extra nutrients.
• Protein swap: Substitute chicken with turkey breast or tofu for different protein sources.
• Cheese mix: Blend gouda, mozzarella, or parmesan for a complex cheesy flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, around 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add a splash more butter if needed and stir in honey and more minced garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant. Coat the cooked chicken with this luscious sauce before moving on.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

While the chicken is cooking, boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Mac & Cheese

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. This ensures every bite is creamy and cheesy.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Transfer the mac & cheese to serving plates and top each with the honey garlic butter chicken. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the top for maximum flavor.

Pro Tips for Making High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Fresh garlic matters: Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder for a brighter, more pungent taste.
• Don’t overcook chicken: Cook until just done to keep it juicy and tender.
• Use sharp cheddar: It melts better and adds a deeper flavor to the mac & cheese.
• Slowly whisk milk: Add milk gradually when making the roux to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
• Let sauce thicken: Allow the honey garlic butter sauce to simmer a bit for richer texture and intensified flavors.

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

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to bring a delightful contrast in texture and keep the meal well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced atop the mac & cheese in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep chicken and mac & cheese together or separate if preferred.

Freezing

This meal freezes well. Store portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Cover to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and flavor but will require slightly longer cooking to become tender.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

The mac & cheese contains pasta, which isn’t keto, but you can substitute with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles to make it low-carb.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes, and swap regular milk for almond or oat milk to keep it creamy without dairy.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The honey garlic butter sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before coating the chicken for convenience.

What side vegetables pair best with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh spinach salad all complement the rich flavors and add a healthy touch to the meal.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe is a delicious way to enjoy comfort food without sacrificing nutrition. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and creamy mac & cheese make every meal feel special. Don’t wait to try it at home—you’re going to love the flavors and the easy process as much as I do!

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