When it comes to comforting meals that don’t skimp on flavor or nutrition, you’ll want to hear about this high-protein honey garlic butter chicken served over mac and cheese. Believe it or not, chicken breast is a powerhouse of protein, boasting about 26 grams per 3-ounce serving. Imagine the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, combined with the sweet touch of honey, a flavor combination that dances on your palate. You’ve got a quick, delightful dish on hand that’s as easy as it is satisfying.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

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A delightful and nutritious dish featuring high-protein honey garlic butter chicken served over creamy mac and cheese.

Author: amanda-miller
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: High Protein

Ingredients

Scale

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in honey and a pinch of salt, simmering until the sauce slightly thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly with the sauce.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux.
Slowly add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until smooth and thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is coated. Plate mac & cheese and top with honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

Notes

Serve with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 600
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Why This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Never Fails

If you’re on the hunt for a family favorite that checks all the boxes, quick prep time, nutritious ingredients, and a burst of flavors, look no further! This honey garlic butter chicken is an instant winner that pairs beautifully with creamy mac and cheese. Kids love it, and adults can’t get enough of the sweet-savory blend that elevates the traditional dinner table. Get ready to impress your loved ones without breaking a sweat!

The Essentials

Let’s gather what you’ll need to bring this dish together. You’ll require:

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Let’s get cooking and turn these ingredients into a hit meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step brings out the natural flavors, so don’t skimp on the seasoning!
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked—this adds a nice crust and locks in moisture. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. This fragrance is what makes the kitchen feel like home!
Stir in honey and a pinch of salt, simmering until the sauce slightly thickens. This step gives your chicken that sweet and sticky goodness.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly with the sauce. Just watch how all those flavors meld together!
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. This is your secret weapon for that creamy cheese sauce!
Slowly add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until smooth and thickened. Patience is key here!
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for that final touch!
Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce. You’ll want to make sure every bite is coated! Plate the mac & cheese and top it off with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for that vibrant pop of color and freshness.

Healthy Reasons to Love This

This recipe serves as a wholesome meal option, featuring a serving size of approximately 1 plate, around 600 calories, with approximately 40 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbs, and 30 grams of fat. It also offers dietary fiber courtesy of the whole wheat pasta if you opt for it! You’re not just filling your belly; you’re nourishing your body too.

How to Serve It Best

Serving is blissfully easy. Start with a generous helping of cheesy mac and cheese, then artistically lay your honey garlic butter chicken over the top. Drizzle any extra garlic honey sauce from the skillet on top for that touch of flair. This dish is a marvelous centerpiece for family gatherings or casual dinners. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keep It Fresh

To store any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container—this will help maintain quality for about 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Expert Tips

For a perfectly seared chicken, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A hot pan means no sticking!
Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken after cooking—it helps maintain the juiciness. Just cover it loosely with foil.
For an ultra-creamy mac and cheese, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. The emulsifiers in pre-shredded cheese can prevent smooth melting.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your cheese sauce for an unexpected kick. Those who love a little spice will appreciate it!
Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water when boiling the macaroni for extra flavor infusion.

Flavor Experiments

Seasonal Twist: Add some roasted butternut squash to the mac and cheese for a pop of color and sweetness. It’s perfect for fall!
Gourmet Variation: Swap out the cheddar for gouda or Gruyère for a gourmet touch that packs flavor depth.
Playful Addition: Stir in some buffalo sauce to the chicken for a spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese that kids (and adults) will rave about!

Learn from My Mistakes

Overcooking the chicken: It leads to dryness—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F is the magic number!).
Lumpy cheese sauce: Ensure you whisk continuously while adding milk to avoid lumps—no one wants a gritty cheese sauce!
Undercooked macaroni: Follow package instructions carefully; al dente means the pasta has a slight bite but still remains tender.
Bland mac and cheese: Always season your cheese sauce—taste as you go, and don’t be shy with the salt!
Sticky pasta: To prevent sticking post-drain, thoroughly toss the pasta with cheese sauce right away.

What to Do with Leftovers

Mac & Cheese Fritters: Form leftover mac and cheese into patties, coat in breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until crispy for a decadent snack.
Chicken Mac & Cheese Soup: Turn leftovers into soup by adding chicken broth to thin it out, and tossing in some veggies for a nutritious twist.
Baked Casserole: Mix leftover chicken and mac & cheese in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until crispy and bubbly.

Curious Cooks Ask

Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will lend a richer flavor and tenderness—just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas and maintain the honey garlic sauce, or try using a plant-based mac and cheese recipe to complement it.

How can I add extra veggies for nutrition? Toss in some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas into the cheese sauce. They add color, nutrients, and crunch!

Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the components separately and only combine them before serving, which’ll keep everything fresh and prevent mushiness.

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken served over creamy mac and cheese isn’t just a dinner; it’s a delightful experience that’s low-effort and high-reward. Get ready for an easy meal that feels gourmet, making your weeknight dinner something to truly savor!