High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese is the perfect example of how indulgent flavors can meet your fitness goals without compromise. The golden, caramelized chicken thighs are bathed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce that’s both sweet and savory, while the creamy mac and cheese provides the ultimate comfort food experience.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to pack serious protein into a dish that feels like pure indulgence. Each serving delivers approximately 45 grams of protein, making it ideal for active individuals, families looking for hearty meals, or anyone wanting to increase their protein intake without sacrificing flavor. The combination of succulent chicken thighs and rich cheese sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its nutritional benefits but also in its simplicity. Using just one pan for the chicken and a single pot for the mac and cheese, you can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 45 minutes. The honey garlic butter sauce develops incredible depth as it reduces and caramelizes, coating each piece of chicken with a glossy, flavorful glaze that’s absolutely irresistible.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss, weekend family dinners that bring everyone together, or meal prep sessions that will make your week infinitely more delicious. The protein-rich chicken thighs stay incredibly moist and tender, while the creamy mac and cheese provides the perfect backdrop for the bold flavors of the honey garlic sauce.

Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese delivers on every level. It’s comfort food elevated, nutrition without compromise, and pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor development.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

5. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet with garlic.

6. Add butter and thyme to the skillet, stirring constantly as the sauce bubbles and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

7. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the honey garlic butter sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly.

8. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

9. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute to create a light roux.

10. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, cooking until mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes.

11. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth, creating a rich base for the cheese sauce.

12. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

13. Season mac and cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper, adjusting to taste preferences.

14. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated, adding a splash of milk if needed for consistency.

15. Garnish chicken with fresh parsley and mac and cheese with fresh chives before serving immediately while hot.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Succulent chicken thighs in sweet honey garlic butter sauce paired with ultra-creamy mac and cheese, delivering 45g protein per serving.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 685

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.33 cup honey
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Creamy Mac and Cheese

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup cream cheese softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor development.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet with garlic.
6. Add butter and thyme to the skillet, stirring constantly as the sauce bubbles and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the honey garlic butter sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly.
8. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
9. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute to create a light roux.
10. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, cooking until mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth, creating a rich base for the cheese sauce.
12. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
13. Season mac and cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper, adjusting to taste preferences.
14. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated, adding a splash of milk if needed for consistency.
15. Garnish chicken with fresh parsley and mac and cheese with fresh chives before serving immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor. Store leftovers separately for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

For the best results, choose chicken thighs over breasts as they remain more tender and juicy during cooking. The higher fat content in thighs also means they won’t dry out if accidentally overcooked. If you prefer chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness and reduce cooking time slightly.

The honey garlic butter sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat gently and spoon over freshly cooked chicken. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

When making the mac and cheese, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest results. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. Room temperature cream cheese incorporates more easily into the sauce, so remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.

Nutritional Benefits and Storage

This high-protein powerhouse provides approximately 45 grams of protein per serving, making it excellent for muscle building, weight management, and overall satiety. The combination of complete proteins from chicken and dairy creates an ideal amino acid profile for optimal nutrition.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in separate containers to maintain the best texture. Reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce, and warm the mac and cheese gently with a little extra milk to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months, though the mac and cheese texture may be slightly different after thawing.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This hearty meal pairs beautifully with simple steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad to add vegetables and balance the richness. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer complements the honey garlic flavors perfectly.

For special occasions, consider serving with garlic bread and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. The combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats makes this a complete meal that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites while providing sustained energy and nutrition.