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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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 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

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

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/high-protein-honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-cheese/