Description

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a deliciously satisfying meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs coated in a rich honey-garlic butter sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni enriched with Greek yogurt for extra protein. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is both comforting and packed with nutrients to fuel your day.

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 the chicken thighs and season them evenly with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium 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 sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Honey-Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Pour in the prepared honey-garlic mixture and stir constantly as it simmers and thickens slightly for 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat each piece thoroughly in the sauce.
Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken simmers, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse, then set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot or a clean one, melt cream cheese over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in 2% milk to form a smooth sauce. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg until melted and creamy.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly until all macaroni is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Serve and Garnish: Plate generous amounts of the creamy mac & cheese alongside the honey-garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken rest in the honey-garlic sauce for a few minutes before serving to deepen the taste.
Prepare and store the honey-garlic sauce in advance to speed up cooking time.
Adjust the thickness of the mac & cheese by adding an extra ounce or two of shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, High Protein Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Protein Packed Dinner, Creamy Macaroni Cheese