Dinner

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

ByElla Hart June 10, 2026June 10, 2026

Introduction

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and savory sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it’s packed with protein and easy to prepare.

The dish shows a clear rectangular glass container filled with two main layers: on the left side is a thick, creamy layer of macaroni and cheese with small pasta spirals coated in a bright orange, smooth cheese sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs; on the right side are three golden-brown, crispy fried chicken patties stacked slightly over each other with a crunchy textured surface and flecks of green herbs spread evenly on top. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Pat dry the chicken thighs and season with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the sauce.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Pour in the honey-garlic sauce and simmer while stirring until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse.
Step 5: In the same or a clean pot, melt cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Serve the creamy macaroni alongside the honey garlic butter chicken, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Prepare the honey-garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge to save time.
For a thicker mac & cheese, add an extra ounce or two of shredded cheddar cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the mac & cheese creamy.