Irresistible High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Whipping up a high protein honey garlic butter chicken recipe can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine in unexpected ways.

Comfort food just got a nutritious makeover that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Rich, golden chicken pieces gleam under a luscious honey glaze that promises incredible flavor depth.

Garlic’s aromatic punch mingles beautifully with sweet honey, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to tender meat.

Creamy mac and cheese adds a classic companion that elevates this dish from simple meal to culinary celebration.

Bold spices and strategic protein boosts make every bite feel indulgent yet health-conscious.

What to Expect from Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Delivers a high-protein punch with succulent chicken, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to maintain muscle health.
• Combines kid-approved mac & cheese with a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce that appeals to both children and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Simplifies cooking with a single skillet method, reducing kitchen cleanup and making this recipe a stress-free option for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.

All About Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac FAQs

• Is this recipe good for muscle building?

Yes, it’s high in protein from chicken, which helps muscle recovery and growth after workouts.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or pork, but cooking times may vary slightly.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this honey garlic butter chicken is savory and sweet, without any significant heat or spiciness.

Ingredients Breakdown for Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and healthier option.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing chicken's natural flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps in browning chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Butter: Creates rich flavor and helps build sauce base.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Combine to create a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze with balanced flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic quality to the sauce, fresh garlic recommended for best taste.

Putting Together Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken into the hot pan, cooking each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and chicken is thoroughly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Reduce heat and add butter to the same skillet. Toss in minced garlic, stirring gently to release its rich, fragrant essence without burning.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar

Allow mixture to simmer and gradually thicken, creating a glossy, irresistible coating.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Chicken

Return chicken to the skillet, generously spooning the warm honey garlic sauce over each piece. Let chicken bathe in the sauce, absorbing all the delectable flavors for a few minutes until perfectly glazed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the glistening chicken alongside creamy mac and cheese, drizzling any remaining sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Chicken and Mac Tips That Make a Difference

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and achieve a golden-brown crust by ensuring the pan is hot before adding chicken.
• Balance Honey Garlic Sauce: Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, tasting and tweaking as you cook for personalized flavor.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F to maintain juiciness and ensure food safety.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version without compromising the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Quick Meal Prep: Marinate chicken beforehand in the honey garlic mixture for deeper flavor penetration and reduced cooking time during the main preparation.

Storage Know-How for Chicken and Mac Bowls

• Store leftover chicken and mac & cheese in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and mac & cheese can be frozen separately for up to 2-3 months.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Add a splash of milk when reheating in the microwave or stovetop to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

Flavor Matches for Chicken with Mac & Cheese

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the honey garlic butter sauce with its bright acidity and subtle herbaceous notes, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Create a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the savory and sweet flavors of the chicken, adding refreshing contrast to the hearty mac and cheese.
• Prepare herb-roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips to enhance the dish's warmth, providing additional texture and nutritional depth that harmonizes with the protein-packed meal.
• Whip up a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to mirror the recipe's vinegar component, offering a cool, crunchy side that cleanses the palate between bites of rich chicken and creamy mac and cheese.

Fresh Twists on Honey Garlic Chicken Mac Bowls

• Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. Use gluten-free mac and cheese pasta.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for mac and cheese, such as nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute mac and cheese with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit instead of honey.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a heat-packed version. Incorporate diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic butter chicken dances with creamy mac & cheese in this irresistible comfort meal. Protein-packed and flavor-rich, this dish brings Southern kitchen warmth directly to your plate, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauces and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

High Protein Mac & Cheese:

Proteins and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) high-protein pasta
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 scoop unflavored protein powder

Liquid and Base:

• 1.5 cups unsweetened milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with salt and pepper seasoning, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
2. Activate a large skillet over medium temperature, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully place chicken into the pan.
3. Sear chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while confirming internal doneness through slight translucency.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful pan drippings.
5. Reduce skillet heat to low, introducing butter and minced garlic to create an aromatic base.
6. Gently sweat garlic for 60 seconds, releasing its robust essence without browning.
7. Pour honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar into the skillet, creating a glossy, caramelizing liquid.
8. Allow sauce to gently simmer and reduce, developing a slightly thickened, sticky consistency.
9. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the honeyed garlic glaze.
10. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the sauce to adhere and intensify the chicken’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or protein-enriched mac for an extra nutritional boost.
• Reduce honey quantity for a less sweet glaze or use sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit sweetener for low-carb diets.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better sauce adherence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg