Description
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese pairs tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. The dish combines comforting flavors with a protein-packed punch, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. Set aside to infuse the flavors.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Add Sauce and Butter: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each piece of chicken beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Return the pasta pot to medium heat. Add milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
- Season Mac & Cheese: Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for balanced taste.
- Serve: Plate the honey garlic butter chicken alongside a generous scoop of mac & cheese. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- If preferred, use gluten-free macaroni to make the dish gluten-friendly.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
