Introduction

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Juicy chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and savory sauce pair beautifully with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

A white plate holds four grilled chicken breast pieces, each with dark brown grill marks and a shiny, slightly sticky glaze, sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. To the left of the chicken, there is a serving of light yellow macaroni and cheese, with soft, small elbow pasta coated in a creamy sauce. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and the photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

8 ounces elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey and a pinch of salt, then simmer until the sauce slightly thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it well with the sauce.

Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated. Plate the mac & cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch and added color.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, try adding cooked bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken into the mac & cheese.

Use smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor or mix in some Parmesan for extra sharpness.

To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.

Swap out elbow macaroni for other pasta shapes like penne or shells if preferred.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure they are cooked through before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While the chicken and mac & cheese can be frozen separately, the sauce may change texture when thawed. For best results, freeze components separately and reheat gently.