High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken served with creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist. Juicy, tender chicken is glazed in a sticky honey garlic butter sauce, paired with rich and cheesy macaroni for a deliciously balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your fitness goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s irresistibly good. The high-protein chicken makes it a great option for meal prep or post-workout dinners, while the creamy mac and cheese brings all the indulgent vibes. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but still packed with nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:
chicken breasts or thighs
salt and pepper
olive oil
butter
minced garlic
honey
low-sodium soy sauce
chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the Mac & Cheese:
elbow macaroni
cheddar cheese (shredded)
milk
butter
flour
salt and pepper
(optional) protein powder or Greek yogurt for extra protein

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear chicken until browned and cooked through.
2. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic. Cook until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Let it simmer and thicken.
3. Glaze the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece well with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavor soak in.
4. Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine: Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce. For added protein, mix in Greek yogurt or protein powder.
7. Serve: Plate the mac and cheese alongside the glazed chicken or slice chicken and serve it on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken with steamed vegetables or cauliflower mash instead of mac and cheese.
• Cheese Swap: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooier mac and cheese.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked lentils or use chickpea pasta for more plant-based protein.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 60-second intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to keep the mac and cheese creamy.

FAQs

How much protein is in this dish?

The total protein content varies based on portions and ingredients, but typically you’ll get around 35–45 grams of protein per serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the components and store them separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Try coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.

Can I freeze this meal?

You can freeze the chicken, but the mac and cheese is best fresh. If freezing, undercook the pasta slightly to avoid mushiness.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative for the mac and cheese.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the sweet-savory flavor of the chicken and the creamy pasta.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice and heat it in the sauce to absorb the flavor.

What pasta is best for mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or rotini also work well for holding the cheese sauce.

Can I make it in one pot?

The chicken and sauce need to be cooked separately, but you can make the pasta and cheese sauce in the same pot to reduce cleanup.

Conclusion

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the perfect combo of comfort and nutrition. It’s easy to prepare, high in protein, and customizable to fit different diets and preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a keeper for any home cook.

Let me know if you’d like the recipe card added or want a printable version!

Print