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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 31 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken paired with Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are seared and coated with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Alongside, indulgently creamy mac and cheese is made with high-protein pasta and a rich cheese sauce that balances comfort with nutrition. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Mac and Cheese

  • 8 oz high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups unsweetened milk (dairy or high-protein plant-based milk)
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. Lightly season the chicken chunks with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
  2. Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (if using), and chili flakes (if using). Set this sauce aside for later use.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Simmer Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour the pre-made honey garlic sauce into the same hot skillet used for the chicken. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece in the honey garlic sauce completely. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through and allow the chicken to absorb the sauce’s flavors.
  6. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly using a colander without rinsing to preserve the pasta texture.
  7. Make the Roux: In the same large pot used for pasta, melt all 3 tablespoons of butter (2 tbsp unsalted + 1 tbsp regular) over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste forms and smells nutty—this is the roux, the base for the cheese sauce.
  8. Whisk in Milk: Slowly pour 1.5 cups of unsweetened milk into the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking often until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  9. Melt the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gradually add 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan to the thickened milk mixture. Stir continuously after each addition until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained al dente pasta directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently yet thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
  11. Assemble and Serve: Plate generous portions of the honey garlic chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese while both are hot. Optionally, garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra visual appeal and flavor. Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs adds more moisture and flavor, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • Apple cider vinegar and chili flakes are optional but add complexity and mild heat to the sauce.
  • Do not rinse pasta after draining to help the sauce cling better.
  • You can substitute regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta for higher protein content.
  • For a dairy-free cheese sauce, use plant-based milk and vegan cheeses suitable for melting.
  • Garnish suggestions include sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/easy-honey-garlic-chicken-with-creamy-high-protein-mac-and-cheese-recipe/