Ingredients

Golden Honey-Garlic Chicken

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Creamy Protein Macaroni

12 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups 2% milk
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of nutmeg

Fresh Finishes

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to create the honey-garlic sauce.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, then pour in the honey-garlic sauce. Stir constantly and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, do not rinse, and set aside.

Step 5: In the same pot or a clean one, melt cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until creamy and melted.

Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Serve the creamy macaroni alongside the honey garlic butter chicken.

Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For deeper flavor, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb more honey-garlic goodness.

You can prep the honey-garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.

If you prefer thicker mac & cheese, add an extra ounce or two of shredded cheddar cheese.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?

Absolutely. The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but omitting them won’t affect the overall flavor much, making the dish suitable for those sensitive to spice.