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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender, high-protein honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac & cheese — perfect for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for mac & cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for mac & cheese)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
  4. Stir in honey and soy sauce, bring to a simmer.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the honey garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  8. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
  9. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  11. Serve honey garlic butter chicken alongside creamy mac & cheese.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 46g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg