Sizzling High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Tender chicken breasts marinated in a delectable honey garlic butter sauce create an irresistible high protein meal that guarantees pure comfort.

Succulent meat glazed with sweet and savory flavors promises a delightful dining experience.

The rich combination of honey, garlic, and butter infuses each bite with incredible depth.

Creamy mac and cheese perfectly complements the juicy chicken, adding a classic side that elevates the entire dish.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast.

You’ll savor every single bite of this mouthwatering culinary creation that balances indulgence with nutrition.

Get ready to become the star chef in your kitchen with this crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies every craving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken with Mac & Cheese Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein powerhouse that forms the main star of the dish, selecting fresh, plump cuts ensures juicy and tender results.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that awakens the chicken's natural flavors and creates a delectable flavor foundation.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that provides caramelized richness and helps create a gorgeous glazing effect on the chicken.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that delivers a punchy, savory depth to the sauce and complements the chicken beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that adds complex saltiness and depth to the overall dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances sweetness and adds bright, sharp notes to the sauce.
• Butter: Creamy fat that creates a luxurious texture and helps bind the sauce's ingredients together.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat that enables perfect chicken browning and prevents sticking in the skillet.

Tools to Make Chicken and Mac Together

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the honey garlic butter sauce.
• Cooking tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken safely during cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and coating chicken with glaze.
• Sharp knife: Useful for slicing chicken or preparing any additional garnish.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Cooking Both Parts of This Power Plate

• Kick Off the Flavor Train

Sprinkle your chicken with a zesty salt and pepper combo, getting it ready for a delicious journey.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with olive oil and dance those chicken pieces around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Make sure they’re fully cooked through, then set them aside for the next exciting step.

• Garlic Magic Moment

Drop butter into the same pan and let those minced garlic bits sizzle and release their aromatic superpowers for about a minute.

• Sauce Symphony

Pour in honey, soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Let everything bubble and mingle, creating a glossy, irresistible sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Glaze and Amaze

Gently nestle the chicken back into the pan, coating each piece with the luscious sauce. Let everything simmer and marry together, transforming your chicken into a mouth-watering masterpiece.

Tips for Protein Boosts or Spicy Swaps

• Reduce or increase garlic quantity based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for more robust flavor or roasted garlic for a mellower taste.
• Replace chicken with turkey breast, lean pork chops, or tofu for different protein variations that maintain the delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Substitute mac & cheese with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a lower-carbohydrate version of the meal while keeping the high-protein profile.
• Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, which helps maintain texture and allows quick reheating during busy weeknights.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate guests with wheat sensitivities.

How to Serve for Maximum Comfort

• Flavor Party Platter: Arrange the honey garlic butter chicken over a bed of creamy mac & cheese, creating a visually stunning and delicious meal that combines protein and comfort food.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice the chicken and pack it with mac & cheese in separate containers for easy lunches during the week, ensuring a tasty and convenient meal option that stays fresh.
• Herb Garden Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the dish to add a pop of color, freshness, and a subtle herbal flavor that complements the sweet and savory chicken sauce.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Drizzle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce over the chicken for those who enjoy a little extra heat and want to kick the flavor profile up a notch.

Keep This Combo Meal Tasty Tomorrow

• Transfer leftover chicken and mac & cheese to airtight containers, keeping them separate to maintain texture. Refrigerate promptly within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of sauce to restore moisture. Microwave mac & cheese in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Cook extra chicken and sauce during initial preparation. These components can transform into salad toppers, sandwich fillings, or quick lunch bowls within 34 days of refrigeration.
• Seal cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Mac & cheese freezes best without added toppings. Label containers with date and contents. Consume frozen dishes within 3 months for optimal flavor and quality.

Mouthwatering High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey garlic butter chicken meets creamy mac & cheese in this irresistible comfort meal. Rich flavors and protein-packed goodness will have you craving seconds at your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz (226 g) high-protein pasta (chickpea or lentil)
• 1.5 cups unsweetened milk (dairy or high-protein plant)
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Prep: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both surfaces for robust flavor enhancement.
2. Chicken Searing: Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, then carefully place chicken and cook until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce heat and introduce butter with minced garlic, gently sautéing until releasing a fragrant essence, about 1 minute.
4. Sauce Development: Incorporate honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and thicken, creating a luscious glaze with concentrated flavors.
5. Final Glazing: Reintroduce seared chicken into the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the honey-garlic sauce, permitting the proteins to absorb the rich, complex flavors and develop a glossy, caramelized exterior.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• Watch sauce carefully while simmering; if it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain ideal glossy coating.
• Sauté garlic on low heat and remove immediately when fragrant to avoid burning, which creates bitter taste.
• Choose raw honey for deeper flavor and better caramelization, creating richer glaze that sticks beautifully to chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg