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