Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting, protein-packed meal combining succulent, honey-garlic glazed chicken thighs with creamy, cheesy macaroni. The chicken is seared and simmered in a rich honey-garlic butter sauce, while the macaroni is enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce enhanced with Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that balances sweet and savory flavors with creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Golden Honey-Garlic Chicken

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Creamy Protein Macaroni

12 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups 2% milk
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of nutmeg

Fresh Finishes

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the chicken and sauce: Pat dry 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) to create the honey-garlic sauce base.
Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Make the honey-garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet and pour in the prepared honey-garlic sauce. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Cook macaroni: While the chicken simmers, cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside without rinsing.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In the same pot or a clean one, melt 4 oz cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in 2 cups 2% milk until smooth. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until fully melted and creamy.
Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat each piece evenly.
Serve and garnish: Plate generous portions of creamy macaroni alongside the honey-garlic butter chicken. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, allow the chicken to rest in the honey-garlic sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb more sauce.
Prepare the honey-garlic sauce in advance and refrigerate to speed up cooking time.
Add an additional ounce or two of shredded cheddar cheese if you prefer a thicker, richer mac & cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain creaminess.
Use fresh parsley as a garnish to add color and fresh flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: high protein chicken, honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, quick dinner, protein-packed meal