High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and muscle-fueling goodness. Juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter glaze, then served alongside creamy, high-protein mac and cheese. It’s rich, satisfying, and balanced—perfect for post-workout meals or indulgent weeknight dinners.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the Chicken:
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighsolive oilgarlic (minced)unsalted butterhoneylow-sodium soy saucepaprikasaltblack pepper

For the High-Protein Mac & Cheese:
high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched)unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milkshredded reduced-fat cheddar cheesegrated parmesan cheeseplain Greek yogurt or cottage cheesegarlic powdersaltblack pepper

directions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

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

Stir in honey and soy sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.

Stir in milk, cheddar, parmesan, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.

Serve mac and cheese in a bowl or plate, topped with honey garlic chicken and extra sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or tofu for different protein sources.

Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the mac for a veggie boost.

Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different cheese profile.

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk for the mac.
Chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then coat with the sauce.

Can I make the mac and cheese dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk, cheese, and yogurt alternatives.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely—store in containers and reheat when needed.

What’s the best pasta for high protein?

Chickpea or lentil pasta is packed with protein and fiber.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just reheat it in the honey garlic sauce.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should coat the back of a spoon—simmer longer to thicken if needed.

Can I skip the yogurt?

Yes, but it adds creaminess and protein—sub with more cheese if preferred.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet-savory sauce and cheesy pasta are a big hit with kids.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—it scales well for families or meal prep.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

Conclusion

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a powerhouse meal that satisfies your cravings and supports your nutrition goals. With bold flavor, creamy comfort, and protein-packed ingredients, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and fuel—ready to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Print