Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe combines succulent seared chicken breasts coated in a rich honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, homemade mac and cheese. Perfectly balanced with sharp cheddar cheese and flavorful spices, this comforting dish makes for a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Sauce

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mac & Cheese

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and a pinch of salt, simmering until the sauce slightly thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat thoroughly with the sauce.
Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce. Plate the mac & cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added freshness and color.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little garlic and honey before cooking.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust mac and cheese taste.
Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Leftover mac & cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, high protein chicken recipe, creamy mac & cheese, easy dinner recipes