Name: High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Introduction

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Juicy chicken breasts are glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a white plate filled with four pieces of grilled chicken breast arranged in a row on the right side, each piece coated with a glossy brown sauce and sprinkled with green herbs. On the left side of the plate, there is a serving of creamy macaroni pasta with a pale yellow color, the pasta pieces are small and curved. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce 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 with the sauce.

Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons 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.

Step 5: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce. Plate the mac & cheese and top with honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and honey for 30 minutes before cooking.

Use smoked or sharp white cheddar for a different twist on the mac & cheese.

Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Swap elbow macaroni for any small pasta shape like shells or cavatappi for variety.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk and cheese options. Keep in mind the texture and flavor of the mac & cheese may vary slightly.