Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for anyone craving a flavorful comfort food with a healthy twist. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked in a rich honey garlic butter sauce and served alongside a creamy, high-protein mac and cheese made with chickpea or lentil pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt. It’s a satisfying dish that balances protein and flavor, ideal for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the High-Protein Mac & Cheese:

8 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea or lentil-based)
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or high-protein plant milk)
1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the honey garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Toss chicken in the sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavors, then remove from heat.
Make the mac & cheese: Return the cooked pasta to the pot and set over low heat. Stir in butter, unsweetened milk, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and plain Greek yogurt. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the mixture is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the honey garlic butter chicken over or alongside the high-protein mac & cheese. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and color.

Notes

Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to reduce cooking time.
Swap Greek yogurt for cottage cheese or add protein powder mixed into the sauce for an extra protein boost.
Add steamed broccoli or peas to the mac & cheese to increase fiber and vegetable intake.