High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combo. Juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs are glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce, then served alongside a creamy, high-protein mac and cheese. It’s indulgent, filling, and perfect for a balanced, muscle-friendly meal.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the High Protein Mac & Cheese:

• 8 oz high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened milk (dairy or high-protein plant milk)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (optional, for extra protein)

Instructions

Make the Chicken:

1. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, lower heat and add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to glaze the chicken.

Make the Mac & Cheese:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and protein powder if using.
4. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Mix in the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly.

Assemble:
Plate the mac and cheese and top with glazed honey garlic chicken. Spoon extra sauce over top and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

• You can use breast or thigh meat—thighs stay juicier.
• Chickpea or lentil pasta boosts protein in the mac and cheese.
• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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