If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with flavor, comforting, and loaded with protein, then this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is exactly what you need. This dish cleverly combines tender chicken glazed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a satisfying solo feast, it’s a warm hug of taste and nutrition all on one plate, bringing together the best of sweet, savory, and comforting textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-packed and satisfying: This recipe offers a hearty protein punch, keeping you full and energized.
Sweet and savory balance: The honey garlic butter glaze adds the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors to your chicken.
One-dish comfort food: Combining chicken and mac & cheese creates a cozy, all-in-one meal that pleases any appetite.
Quick and easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Customizable to your liking: You can easily swap or add ingredients to match dietary preferences or flavor cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese lies in its simple, essential ingredients that create a perfectly balanced dish. Each component—from the chicken breast for lean protein to the rich cheese for creaminess—plays a key role in texture, taste, and color.

Chicken breasts: Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for tender, lean protein.
Butter: Unsalted butter melts into a silky sauce base that carries the garlic and honey flavors beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic depth and pungent sweetness to the sauce.
Honey: Adds a natural, floral sweetness that perfectly balances the savory garlic.
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds creamy cheese sauce well.
Sharp cheddar cheese: For a rich, tangy, and gooey mac and cheese base.
Milk or cream: Creates a smooth, rich cheese sauce.
Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce to the right consistency.
Salt and pepper: To taste and to elevate all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, herbal note and color contrast.

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

Feel free to put your own twist on this recipe—it’s super flexible and you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat that brightens the sweet garlic sauce.
Vegetable boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients and color.
Dairy-free version: Substitute dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and allergen-friendly.
Whole grain pasta: Swap regular macaroni for whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
Herbal twist: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil into the garlic butter sauce for complex layers of flavor.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Delight

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and an extra tablespoon of butter, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while you stir.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

While the sauce simmers, boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Mac & Cheese and Finish the Dish

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Plate the mac & cheese, then top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Spoon extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken for that glossy, flavorful finish.

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

Rest your chicken: Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
Use sharp cheddar: A good quality sharp cheddar gives the mac & cheese a more complex, rich flavor.
Don’t overcook pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente to avoid mushy texture once mixed with cheese.
Control the sweetness: Adjust honey quantity based on your taste preference, balancing sweet and savory.
Fresh garlic is key: Use fresh minced garlic rather than powder for a vibrant, aromatic sauce.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a refreshing herbal note and nice color contrast to the rich, golden chicken and creamy mac & cheese.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to brighten the plate and add textural variety alongside the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style presentation, serve the mac and cheese in a cast iron skillet alongside the honey garlic butter chicken arranged artfully on top or sliced for easy serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to the mac & cheese to bring back its creamy texture without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but remember to adjust cooking time since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can cook the dish ahead and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavors will still shine through beautifully.

What pasta substitutes work in this dish?

Gluten-free pasta, chickpea pasta, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles can be substituted, though cooking times and textures will vary.

How long does the sauce keep its flavor?

The honey garlic butter sauce tastes best fresh but retains good flavor for up to 3 days refrigerated. Stir well before reheating to recombine the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a meal that combines comfort with protein-rich goodness, and this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese nails it perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers bold flavors, satisfying textures, and simple prep all in one delightful dish. Give it a try—it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Print Recipe

A comforting and protein-packed one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, sharp cheddar mac and cheese. This delightful recipe blends sweet and savory flavors with rich, cheesy textures, ideal for quick family dinners or satisfying solo meals.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: High Protein

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 1 tbsp extra for sauce)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

Mac & Cheese

1 cup elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk or cream
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey and an additional tablespoon of butter, letting the sauce thicken slightly while stirring.
Cook the Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Mac & Cheese and Finish the Dish: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Plate the mac and cheese, then top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Spoon any extra honey garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the chicken for an extra glossy and flavorful finish.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
Use good quality sharp cheddar cheese for a richer mac and cheese flavor.
Cook macaroni only until al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with the cheese sauce.
Adjust honey quantity to balance sweetness and savoriness to your preference.
Fresh minced garlic is recommended over garlic powder for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: Fifty g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: high protein, honey garlic chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, one dish meal, easy dinner