Dinner

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

ByElla Hart June 21, 2026June 21, 2026

Introduction

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it brings together sweet, savory, and tangy notes in one delightful meal.

The image shows a clear rectangular glass dish filled with two main layers of food side by side. On the left side, there is a creamy macaroni and cheese layer made of elbow pasta coated in shiny, thick, golden-yellow cheese sauce, sprinkled with small green herb bits. On the right side, there are four golden-brown, slightly crispy, pan-fried patties with grill marks, also topped with small green herbs that add a fresh touch. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background effect. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry 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. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Pour in the honey-garlic sauce and simmer, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well without rinsing and set aside.
Step 5: In the same pot or a clean one, melt cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in 2% milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg until creamy and melted.
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. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to deepen the honey-garlic flavor.
Prepare the honey-garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for a quicker cooking process.
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 maintain creaminess and flavor.