How 5 Chefs Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Are you tired of bland chicken dinners that leave you reaching for a snack an hour later? Imagine sinking your fork into juicy chicken coated in a sweet-savory honey garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni that perfectly complements each bite. Making High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese at home isn’t just economical it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation. This High Protein Cheesy Chicken Dinner delivers restaurant-quality flavors with nutrition-packed ingredients, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Ingredients

For the Chicken:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ⅓ cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium option available)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mac & Cheese:
– 2 cups whole grain elbow macaroni
– 1 cup reduced-fat milk
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup cottage cheese (for extra protein)
– ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools:
– Large skillet
– Medium saucepan
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk
– Colander
– Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
– Garlic press (optional)

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Prep & Cooking Time

– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 40 minutes
– Serves: 4 people

Plan to prepare the mac & cheese while the chicken cooks for efficient timing. This meal comes together relatively quickly, making it suitable for weeknight dinners.

How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

1. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Start the chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Make the honey garlic sauce: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Finish the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

6. Prepare cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk and flour over medium heat until smooth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, mustard powder, and garlic powder until smooth.

7. Combine mac & cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve: Plate the High Protein Cheesy Chicken Dinner with the mac & cheese alongside the honey garlic chicken, spooning extra sauce over the top.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Nutritional Benefits

This protein-packed meal delivers approximately 40g of protein per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and recovery. The whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the honey offers natural energy. Garlic contains allicin, which has immune-boosting properties. The dish also provides calcium and vitamin D from the cheese, plus B vitamins from the chicken. Using cottage cheese boosts the protein content while keeping fat levels reasonable.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Variations, Substitutions & Cooking Tips

– Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
– Lower Carb Option: Replace macaroni with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly alternative.
– Cooking Methods: This dish works well with an air fryer (chicken only, 380°F for 10-12 minutes) or in the oven (375°F for 25 minutes).
– Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating before cooking.
– Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for heat.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Use a thermometer to check for 165°F.
2. Rushing the sauce reduction: Give the honey garlic sauce time to thicken properly.
3. Overcooking pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the cheese sauce.
4. Letting the cheese sauce get too hot: This can cause it to separate. Remove from heat before adding cheese.
5. Not tasting as you go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store chicken and mac & cheese separately. When reheating the chicken, add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Reheat in the microwave at 50% power or in a covered skillet over low heat. The mac & cheese may need a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Conclusion

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that satisfies both protein needs and comfort food cravings. The balance of sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates a sauce that elevates simple chicken breast to new heights. When paired with the creamy, protein-boosted mac & cheese, you’ve got a complete High Protein Cheesy Chicken Dinner that will impress the whole family while supporting your nutritional goals. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner solution!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay more tender. Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan cheese alternatives. The honey garlic chicken component works well with olive oil instead of butter.

Can I prepare components of this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Make the mac & cheese up to 2 days ahead and store refrigerated. Reheat with extra milk. The honey garlic sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately.

What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus balances the richness of this dish perfectly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Portion into microwave-safe containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days for quick, protein-rich meals throughout the week.