Description
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender, savory chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic butter sauce with creamy, protein-packed macaroni and cheese enhanced by Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal, this recipe balances sweet and savory with rich, creamy textures for a family-friendly dinner.
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 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. 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 honey-garlic sauce base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Make the Sauce and Coat Chicken: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet and pour in the prepared honey-garlic sauce. Stir constantly and bring to a simmer, letting it thicken for 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Cook the 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 the macaroni well but do not rinse.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot or a clean pot, melt 4 oz cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in 2 cups 2% milk until smooth. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until the sauce is melted, smooth, and creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well until fully coated and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate generous portions of the creamy mac and cheese alongside the honey-garlic butter chicken. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the chicken rest in the honey-garlic sauce for a few minutes before serving so it absorbs more of the sauce.
- You can prepare the honey-garlic sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge to speed up cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker mac & cheese, add an extra ounce or two of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and moderate salt to keep sodium levels controlled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, High Protein Dinner, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Chicken Thighs Recipe, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
