Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist. Juicy, flavorful chicken glazed in a sweet-savory honey garlic butter sauce is paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni that’s packed with protein. It’s a filling, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
olive oil
butter
garlic (minced)
honey
soy sauce (low sodium)
lemon juice
black pepper
paprika
salt
chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the High Protein Mac & Cheese

whole wheat or protein-enriched elbow macaroni
Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese
shredded cheddar cheese (reduced-fat or high-protein)
parmesan cheese
unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper
optional: unflavored whey protein powder

directions

For the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes if using.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over until fully coated and glossy.

For the Mac & Cheese

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a blender or food processor, blend Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and whey protein powder if using until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a saucepan over low-medium heat and stir in shredded cheddar and parmesan until melted and creamy.

Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well until fully coated.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breasts with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the mac & cheese for extra nutrients.
Use spicy honey for a kick of heat in the glaze.
Top mac & cheese with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat chicken in a skillet over low heat to preserve the glaze.
Microwave mac & cheese with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Freeze separately for up to 2 months for easy future meals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and work perfectly with the glaze.

Is this meal good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it stores and reheats well, making it ideal for weekly prep.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

What type of protein powder works best in mac & cheese?
Unflavored whey or casein works best for texture and taste.

How do I avoid a grainy mac & cheese sauce?
Blend the cheese base thoroughly and melt over low heat to avoid separation.

Can I double the glaze for extra sauciness?
Yes, double the glaze ingredients if you prefer more sauce.

Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely, the sweet-savory chicken and cheesy pasta are hits with kids.

How can I make the mac & cheese spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.

What’s the best cheese combo for flavor and protein?
Cheddar for flavor, and parmesan or protein-enriched cheese for a boost.

Can I bake the whole dish as a casserole?
Yes, layer the chicken and mac & cheese in a dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and delivers a hearty dose of protein. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for the week, this recipe brings serious comfort and satisfaction to your table.