Introduction

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken thighs are glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served alongside a creamy, cheesy macaroni enriched with Greek yogurt for extra protein. It’s a satisfying dish that balances indulgence and nutrition beautifully.

The image shows a clear glass dish filled with two main layers of food. On the left side, there is a large serving of creamy, yellow-orange macaroni and cheese pasta with visible small green herb bits sprinkled evenly throughout, giving it a slightly speckled texture. On the right side, there are four golden-brown, crispy fried chicken patties stacked closely together, each covered with dark green herb flakes that add texture and color contrast. The macaroni has a smooth and creamy look while the chicken patties appear crunchy and well-seasoned. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 dry the chicken thighs and season them with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the sauce.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, then pour in the honey-garlic sauce. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat well with the sauce.

Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain (do not rinse) and set aside.

Step 5: In the same pot, melt the cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then stir in cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to fully coat the pasta. Serve the creamy macaroni alongside the honey garlic butter chicken, garnished with fresh parsley.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time as they cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes for the macaroni.