If you’re craving a meal that combines rich flavors with a hearty nutritional boost, look no further than this Easy High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese. This dish perfectly balances tender chicken glazed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni, delivering a satisfying and protein-packed dinner everyone will love. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for family, this recipe shines as a delicious, wholesome option that’s both quick and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: The sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce creates an irresistible glaze over tender chicken breasts.
High protein: A perfect balance of lean chicken and cheese-enriched mac and cheese fuels your body with essential nutrients.
Quick and easy: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Family-friendly: Silky mac and cheese paired with flavorful chicken pleases kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients or spice levels to cater to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese comes alive through simple yet essential ingredients that each add unique flavor, texture, or color to the dish.

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless for tender, juicy results that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Butter: It’s the foundation of the sauce, providing richness and that glossy finish.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic delivers the aromatic punch vital to the honey garlic combination.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory butter and garlic.
Macaroni pasta: Elbow or small shells work best to trap cheese sauce inside every bite.
Milk: Used in the cheesy sauce, milk brings creaminess while keeping the mac tender.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheddar creates the signature velvety mac and cheese flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds subtle nuttiness and richness to the cheese sauce.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every ingredient without overpowering.

Variations for High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Feel free to get creative by customizing this recipe to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent base for experimentation.

Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic butter for a gentle heat kick.
Veggie boost: Stir in steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach into the mac and cheese for extra nutrients and color.
Dairy-free option: Swap the cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Whole grain pasta: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase fiber and protein content.
Herb infusion: Mix in freshly chopped parsley or thyme into the sauce for an earthy freshness.

Easy High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

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

Step 1: Prepare the Mac & Cheese

Cook your macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in milk, and gradually add cheddar and parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy. Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring gently to coat every piece.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to low and stir in honey directly into the butter and garlic mixture left in the pan after cooking chicken. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the chicken beautifully when drizzled on top.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Plate the creamy mac and cheese, then place the honey garlic butter chicken over it. Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and garnish with herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for Making High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays juicy when not cold from the fridge.
Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly firm pasta is best to avoid mushy mac and cheese after mixing with sauce.
Fresh garlic is key: Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same aromatic punch as fresh cloves.
Low and slow for sauce: Cooking the honey garlic butter sauce on low heat prevents burning and keeps it silky.
Rest chicken before slicing: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes locks in juices and improves tenderness.

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

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that lighten the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give just a hint of warmth if you like it spicy.

Side Dishes

Pair this meal with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy mac and cheese with fresh, crisp textures. Steamed green beans or asparagus also work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced on top of a bed of mac and cheese or plate chicken thighs on the side with a generous scoop of mac and cheese. For a crowd, bake the mac and cheese in a casserole dish and arrange the glazed chicken on top for easy serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and mac & cheese in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate will help maintain best texture.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and mac & cheese separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to mac and cheese as needed to restore creaminess. Warm the chicken gently to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy, making them a delicious alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish reheats well and stores nicely, making it perfect for preparing meals ahead of busy days.

How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?

Swap traditional macaroni for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping the creamy texture with cheese sauce.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Sure, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and ensures a smoother sauce without clumps.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep chicken and mac and cheese in separate airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness and texture for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together the warmth of honey garlic butter chicken and the indulgence of creamy mac and cheese, this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish hits every craving with a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Print Recipe

This Easy High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese combines tender chicken breasts glazed in a rich honey garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a flavorful, protein-packed dinner perfect for quick weeknight meals or family gatherings, offering a satisfying balance of sweet and savory flavors with comforting textures.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and stovetop cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: High Protein

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons butter (divided)
3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
3 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

Mac & Cheese

2 cups macaroni pasta (elbow or small shells)
2 cups milk
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Mac & Cheese: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in milk, and gradually add cheddar and parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir honey directly into the butter and garlic mixture left in the pan after cooking the chicken. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly to create a glossy glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully when drizzled on top.
Combine and Serve: Plate the creamy mac and cheese, then place the honey garlic butter chicken over it. Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and retain juiciness.
Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture prevents mushy mac and cheese.
Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best aromatic flavor.
Cook the honey garlic butter sauce on low heat to avoid burning and maintain a silky texture.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices and enhance tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Honey garlic chicken, high protein dinner, mac and cheese recipe, quick family meals, creamy mac and cheese, savory chicken glaze