Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender, honey-garlic glazed chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and satisfies your craving for a hearty, nutritious meal with an elevated twist on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

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

For Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley or chives

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, letting the sauce simmer until it slightly thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly with the honey garlic butter sauce.
Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Mac & Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens smoothly. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated. Plate the mac & cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to add freshness and color to the dish.

Notes

For best results, use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold cheesy flavor.
Adjust the honey quantity to make the sauce sweeter or milder according to your preference.
Ensure not to overcook the macaroni; al dente is ideal to hold the creamy sauce well.
You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or penne if desired.
For extra protein, consider adding steamed or roasted vegetables alongside the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, high protein chicken, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, savory chicken recipe