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

If you’re craving a meal that hits every note—comforting, flavorful, and packed with protein—you are absolutely going to love this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe. It combines tender chicken breasts glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce alongside a decadently creamy, sharp cheddar mac and cheese. This dish brings together sweet, savory, and cheesy elements in perfect harmony, making it a true crowd-pleaser any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites for a wholesome yet indulgent dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this recipe is that it uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the rich butter and sharp cheddar to the punchy garlic and honey glaze, every element plays a crucial role in making this dish irresistibly delicious and satisfying.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds): The perfect lean protein base that absorbs the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
• 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the garlic and soy sauce.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides an umami depth and savory contrast to the honey.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant and bold garlic punch into the sauce.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick): Creates a silky, rich sauce and adds creaminess to the chicken glaze.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly browning the chicken and locking in moisture.
• 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds on to every bit of creamy cheese sauce.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings that signature tang and melty texture to the mac and cheese.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the mac and cheese smooth and creamy without heaviness.
• 1/4 cup cream cheese: Adds velvety richness and extra gooeyness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes in the mac and cheese.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth and a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a warm color and gentle smokiness.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brings a fresh, bright contrast to finish the dish.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

Start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl until everything’s perfectly combined. This simple sauce is the heart of the dish, offering a delicious balance of sweet and savory that will soak into the chicken beautifully.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Generously season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This step is crucial to boost the meat’s natural flavor and create a tasty crust once it hits the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and let them sizzle away for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they’re juicy and safe.

Step 4: Finish with Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the sauce until it thickens slightly and coats each chicken breast with glossy goodness.

Step 5: Cook the Macaroni

While your chicken finishes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente — tender but with a pleasant bite. Drain well and set aside.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Using the same pot, heat the milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese melts fully and you have a smooth base ready for the cheese.

Step 7: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, folding continuously until the cheese melts completely. You’ll know you’re there when the sauce turns luxuriously creamy and coats the macaroni beautifully.

Step 8: Season and Combine

Season the mac and cheese with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. Your creamy mac is ready to be paired perfectly with the honey garlic butter chicken.

Step 9: Plate and Serve

Arrange the chicken breasts alongside a generous serving of mac and cheese. Drizzle any extra buttery sauce from the skillet over the chicken, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for that fresh, colorful finish.

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

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions gives this dish a pop of color and a fresh crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy and buttery textures. A little extra cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can also elevate the flavors further.

Side Dishes

While this recipe is a hearty meal on its own, if you want some greens on the side, consider a crisp mixed salad or steamed broccoli. Their natural freshness brings balance and lightness, complementing the richness of the chicken and mac and cheese perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve the mac and cheese in a large, rustic bowl next to a platter of glistening honey garlic chicken breasts garnished with green onions. Or, for a casual weeknight treat, place the chicken sliced over a bed of mac and cheese, letting the sauce mingle for an irresistible bite every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mac and cheese may firm up, but it reheats wonderfully, and the chicken will stay moist if stored properly.

Freezing

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe freezes well! Portion the chicken and mac separately into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy a quick homemade dinner even on the busiest days.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat the mac and cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture. Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, basting with a little sauce or butter to keep it tender and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the mac and cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and gives a nice tang, you can experiment with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness, or even gouda or gruyere for a nutty twist. Mixing cheeses can elevate the flavor complexity.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. The chicken and mac and cheese hold up well in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for meal prep. Just keep them stored separately and reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the butter, milk, cream cheese, and cheddar for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheese shreds. The sauce may differ slightly in texture but will still be delicious.

What if I want to add some veggies?

Feel free to stir in cooked broccoli florets, peas, or spinach into the mac and cheese before serving for an added nutritional boost and vibrant color. They pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce and savory chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and richness to the dish and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly to make sure they are cooked through but remain tender.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe is truly a labor of love on your plate. It strikes the perfect balance between hearty, healthy, and downright comforting, making it ideal for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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