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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Description


This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken served with creamy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal with a healthy twist. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic butter sauce, then paired with a high-protein mac and cheese that’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s a protein-packed dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

For the High Protein Mac & Cheese:

  • 8 oz high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil-based pasta)

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 cup reduced-fat milk

  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Optional: pinch of paprika or mustard powder for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:
    In the same pan, reduce heat to low. Add butter and garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let simmer until slightly thickened.

  3. Coat the Chicken:
    Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

  4. Prepare the Mac & Cheese:
    Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, cheddar, Parmesan, and any optional seasonings. Stir over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

  5. Serve:
    Plate a generous scoop of mac and cheese with a serving of honey garlic butter chicken on top or on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra protein, stir in a scoop of unflavored protein powder into the mac and cheese sauce.

  • Use a nonstick skillet to make cleanup easier.

  • This recipe works great with boneless thighs too!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of total recipe)
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Find it online: https://simplemealsbykim.com/high-protein-honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-cheese-2/