If you’re craving a comforting yet nutritious meal that makes your taste buds sing, then this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines tender chicken glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce and pairs it perfectly with a creamy, protein-packed mac & cheese that satisfies even the heartiest appetites. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors, making it a wholesome dish that’s both delicious and nourishing.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each element plays an important role—from the tender chicken breast bites soaking in garlic butter to the protein-rich pasta delivering satisfying texture and flavor in the creamy mac & cheese.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Perfect for tender, juicy pieces that soak up the honey garlic butter glaze.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken nicely.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season and enhance all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for chicken, 1 tablespoon for mac & cheese): Provides richness and lends that irresistible buttery finish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant punch that perfectly complements the sweet honey.
Honey (1/4 cup): The key to the signature sweet glaze that makes this dish unforgettable.
Low-sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Balances the honey with just the right amount of savory umami.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang to lift the sauce’s flavor.
High-protein pasta (8 oz): Chickpea or lentil-based pasta amps up the protein and is a sturdy base for the cheesy sauce.
Unsweetened milk (1 cup): Use dairy or a protein-rich plant milk to keep it creamy yet healthy.
Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star of the cheese sauce with rich, mellow flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp depth that enhances every creamy bite.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Gives a tangy creaminess and a protein boost for the mac & cheese.

How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the high-protein pasta according to the directions on the package. This ensures your noodle base is perfectly tender before it gets all cozy with the cheesy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to prepare for the creamy mac & cheese transformation.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season those bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they are beautifully browned and cooked through, which takes roughly 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in juices and sets the stage for the honey garlic butter glaze to cling to those tasty morsels.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm. In the same pan, melt unsalted butter, then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, letting the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This creates a luscious, sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory, ready to coat the chicken.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the honey garlic butter sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly before removing it from the heat. This step transforms simple chicken into a sticky, flavorful star of the dish.

Step 5: Prepare the High Protein Mac & Cheese

Put the cooked pasta back into the pot and return it to low heat. Stir in butter, the unsweetened milk, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and Greek yogurt. Keep stirring gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a delightful, rich mac & cheese that complements the chicken wonderfully.

How to Serve High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top brings a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness, making every bite even more inviting and vibrant.

Side Dishes

For more balance, serve this dish alongside steamed broccoli, peas, or a crisp green salad. These veggies add a refreshing crunch and extra fiber, turning this hearty meal into a well-rounded dinner that feels both satisfying and lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try stacking the honey garlic butter chicken on a bed of the creamy mac & cheese or place the chicken on one side of a warmed plate with a generous scoop of mac & cheese beside it. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the top, and you have a restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mac & cheese may thicken as it sits, but a quick stir or a splash of milk when reheating helps regain that creamy texture perfectly.

Freezing

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe can be frozen, though sauce textures might shift slightly. Freeze in individual portions with airtight packaging for up to 2 months to enjoy this comforting meal anytime you’re craving a quick, high-protein dinner.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little milk or water to the mac & cheese if it seems dry. Stir occasionally, and heat until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese sauce is silky again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of protein for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast works wonderfully here, you can swap it for turkey, tofu, or even shrimp to suit your preferences. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your choice is cooked through and tender.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it stores well and packs a high protein punch to keep you fueled. Just portion into containers and refrigerate or freeze for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

Can I make the mac & cheese dairy-free?

Definitely. Use unsweetened almond or soy milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Skip the Greek yogurt or replace it with a plant-based yogurt to keep it creamy and delicious.

How can I increase the spice level in this dish?

To add some heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes when cooking garlic or mix a dash of cayenne pepper into the honey garlic sauce. This gives a nice spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.

What’s the best high-protein pasta to use?

Legume-based pastas like chickpea or lentil varieties are ideal because they deliver extra protein and fiber, making your mac & cheese more nutritious without compromising on taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition, give this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe a try. Its perfect harmony of savory chicken and creamy mac & cheese will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make it, this dish will be on your regular rotation for quick weeknight dinners or whenever you want a heartfelt, protein-packed treat.