Description
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and protein-packed meal combining tender chicken breasts glazed in a sweet honey garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family-friendly dinners with flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 large chicken breasts, lean and trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac & Cheese: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately one minute. Stir in honey and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the garlic.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the honey garlic butter sauce. Plate the creamy mac & cheese alongside or beneath the chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for pronounced flavor and excellent melting.
- Use fresh minced garlic for best aroma; avoid pre-minced jar garlic if possible.
- Choose raw or pure honey for a richer, natural sweetness.
- Cook chicken on medium-high heat for a golden crust without drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: high protein chicken, honey garlic butter chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal