Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs coated in a rich honey-garlic butter sauce paired with a creamy, protein-packed macaroni and cheese enhanced with Greek yogurt and sharp cheddar. A comforting yet protein-rich meal perfect for weeknight dinners that satisfies both savory and sweet flavor cravings.

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: Pat dry the chicken thighs and season them evenly with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes to create the honey-garlic sauce base.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, then pour in the prepared honey-garlic sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens for 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and do not rinse.
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In the same or a clean pot, melt cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until the sauce is creamy and fully melted.
Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly.
Serve and Garnish: Plate generous portions of the creamy macaroni alongside the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant and fresh finish.

Notes

Allow the chicken to rest in the honey-garlic sauce for a few minutes before serving to maximize flavor absorption.
Prep the honey-garlic sauce ahead to save time and store it refrigerated until ready to use.
Add extra shredded cheddar cheese if you prefer a thicker, cheesier mac & cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to retain texture and flavor.

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

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, High Protein Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Creamy Macaroni, Honey Garlic Butter Sauce, Protein Packed Dinner