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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and nutritious meal combining tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Quick to prepare and rich in protein, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend dinners, delivering a balanced blend of flavors and textures that both kids and adults will love.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 chicken breasts (lean and tender)
  • 3 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh)
  • 3 tbsp honey (natural sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mac & Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add honey and stir to combine, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat evenly with the honey garlic butter glaze.
  3. Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken cooks, boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to prepare the cheese sauce.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly into the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Plate and Serve: Spoon the cheesy macaroni onto plates, then top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook chicken; ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juiciness.
  • Stir cheese sauce constantly to avoid lumps and maintain smoothness.
  • Choose sharp cheddar for a strong, delicious cheese flavor.
  • Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying and stovetop cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 50 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, mac and cheese, high protein, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, savory chicken