High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Are you craving a comforting, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition? Look no further than this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. This blog post is tailored for busy families, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to whip up an easy yet delectable dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to learn how to make a high-protein dinner that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body. Stick around, and you might just discover your new favorite recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also quick, requiring minimal prep time. The addition of creamy mac and cheese creates a sense of comfort that resonates with both kids and adults alike. Plus, the sweetness of honey combined with savory garlic and butter provides a balance of flavors that’s absolutely irresistible.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for beginners or experienced cooks looking for an affordable and time-saving dish that delivers on all fronts. Each bite is packed with protein, helping you stay full and satisfied, making it a great option for those hitting the gym or simply trying to maintain a balanced diet.

Ingredients

To make your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese, here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts (2-3 pieces): Choose boneless, skinless for faster cooking.
• Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a sweet glaze that complements the savory elements.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Enhances the savory profile.
• Macaroni Pasta (2 cups): The classic base for creamy mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): For that iconic gooeyness.
• Milk (1 cup): Helps create a creamy sauce for the mac and cheese.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing overall flavor.
• Parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and freshness.

What you’ll need to make this recipe is straightforward and easy to find at your local grocery store, perfect for a quick trip!

Equipment

To make this dish, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure success:

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken to perfection.
• Pot: For boiling the macaroni.
• Whisk: To combine ingredients for the cheese sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.

Optional: For even easier cleanup, consider using non-stick cookware.

Step-by-Step Process

Creating this delightful meal is straightforward and broken down into manageable steps.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season: Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Sear: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Stir in honey and soy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return Chicken: Place seared chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Cook the Mac & Cheese

7. Boil the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and add macaroni. Cook according to package instructions, then drain.
8. Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, return the drained macaroni and lower the heat. Add milk and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
9. Combine: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve Your Meal

10. Serve: Plate the mac and cheese alongside slices of honey garlic butter chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy your high-protein feast!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken to avoid dryness. A meat thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Leftover Sauce: Use leftover honey garlic sauce for marinating veggies or drizzling over rice.

If your mac and cheese is too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, let it simmer a little longer!

Serving Suggestions

This lovely dish can be enhanced further with these easy variations:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in broccoli or spinach into the mac and cheese for added nutrition.
• Substitutions: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu if you prefer seafood or a plant-based option.
• Garnishes: Add crumbled bacon or breadcrumbs on top of mac and cheese for a crispy twist.

These variations can make your meal exciting, serving as perfect alternatives for weekly family dinners.

Storage

Leftover High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken and mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish can be easily frozen. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of milk for creamy mac and cheese.

Nutrition

This satisfying meal is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Basic nutritional facts include:

• Protein: A great source of lean protein from chicken—ideal for muscle recovery.
• Calories: Approximately 600 calories per serving, depending on portion size.
• Carbohydrates: The macaroni provides the necessary carbs for energy, making it a balanced meal.

The key takeaway is that this recipe can provide a hearty meal without compromising on nutritional value.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, this High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a flavorful and nutritious option for any day of the week. It’s quick, affordable, and perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family gathering, this dish promises satisfaction and comfort. So why wait? Try this recipe tonight and make it the star of your dinner table! Don’t forget to check out more of our easy, delicious recipes for memorable meals with family and friends!

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

A satisfying and flavorful meal featuring chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served alongside creamy mac and cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2-3 pieces Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless Choose boneless, skinless for faster cooking.
• 1/4 cup Honey Adds a sweet glaze that complements the savory elements.
• 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Butter Provides richness for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Enhances the savory profile.

For the Mac & Cheese

• 2 cups Macaroni Pasta The classic base for creamy mac and cheese.
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded For that iconic gooeyness.
• 1 cup Milk Helps create a creamy sauce for the mac and cheese.
• Salt and Pepper To taste, enhancing overall flavor.
• Parsley, optional for garnish A pop of color and freshness.

Method

 

Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Place seared chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until cooked through.

Cook the Mac & Cheese

1. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and add macaroni. Cook according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In the same pot, return the drained macaroni and lower the heat. Add milk and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
3. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve Your Meal

1. Plate the mac and cheese alongside slices of honey garlic butter chicken.
2. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy your high-protein feast!

Notes

Don't overcook the chicken. Customize the cheese. Use leftover honey garlic sauce for marinating veggies. If mac and cheese is too thick, add more milk. If too thin, let it simmer longer.