Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

A comforting and protein-packed meal featuring tender chicken breasts glazed in a fragrant honey garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe blends rich flavors and nutritious ingredients for a satisfying and balanced dish.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Macaroni and Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter if needed, then stir in honey and remaining minced garlic. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant. Coat the cooked chicken with this honey garlic butter sauce.
  3. Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken is cooking, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Mac & Cheese: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. Plate and Serve: Serve the mac & cheese on plates and top each portion with the honey garlic butter chicken. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the skillet over the chicken for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced garlic for a more pungent and bright flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and deeper flavor.
  • Add milk gradually to the roux while whisking to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
  • Allow the honey garlic butter sauce to simmer to thicken for intensified flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: high protein, honey garlic chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, dinner, meal prep