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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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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

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