Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a rich honey-garlic butter sauce alongside a creamy, protein-packed mac and cheese made with Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this recipe balances savory and sweet flavors with a creamy texture for both the chicken and macaroni components.

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 Chicken: Pat dry 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to ensure even seasoning before cooking.
Make Honey-Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) to create the flavorful base sauce.
Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Simmer Sauce with Butter: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, then pour in the prepared honey-garlic sauce. Stir constantly and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Coat Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly in the thickened honey-garlic butter sauce, allowing it to absorb maximum flavor.
Cook Macaroni: While the chicken simmers, cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse, setting aside for sauce.
Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot or a clean one, melt 4 oz cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in 2 cups 2% milk until smooth and creamy.
Incorporate Cheese and Yogurt: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir continuously until everything is melted together into a smooth sauce.
Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni back into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat each piece evenly for a luscious and creamy mac & cheese.
Serve and Garnish: Plate generous portions of creamy mac & cheese alongside the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb more of the delicious honey-garlic goodness.
To speed up preparation, you can prep the honey-garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
If you prefer a thicker mac & cheese, add an extra ounce or two of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Ensure to check all ingredient labels for potential allergens and consult a health professional if uncertain.

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

Keywords: high protein chicken, honey garlic chicken, creamy mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, quick dinner recipe, protein-packed meals