Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese combines tender seared chicken thighs smothered in a rich honey-garlic butter sauce, paired with a creamy, protein-packed mac and cheese. With the bold flavors of garlic, honey, and soy sauce enhancing juicy chicken and a velvety cheese sauce enriched with Greek yogurt, this comforting dish is delicious, satisfying, and perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs and season evenly 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 base.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Honey-Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the skillet, then pour in the prepared honey-garlic sauce. Stir constantly and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly in the sauce.
Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, do not rinse, and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Using the same or a clean pot over medium-low heat, melt cream cheese. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg until fully melted and creamy.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is fully coated.
Serve: Plate generous portions of creamy macaroni alongside the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Let the chicken rest in the honey-garlic sauce for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor absorption.
Prepare the honey-garlic sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quicker meal prep.
For a thicker mac & cheese, increase the shredded cheddar cheese by 1-2 oz.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
Check all ingredients if you have allergies and consult a health professional if uncertain.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, high protein chicken, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, stovetop chicken recipe, quick mac and cheese, healthy dinner