Hey there, food lovers! It’s Ava from Snack Nova, and today I’m sharing a dish that’s a real game-changer in my kitchen—a delightful, comforting, and high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese. Every time I make this dish, it takes me back to cozy family dinners where laughter was abundant and the food was always the star. It’s one of those Honey Garlic Chicken Mac And Cheese recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- It’s a flavor explosion with sweet, savory, and cheesy notes all dancing together.
- Easy Healthy High Protein Meals like this make you feel like a kitchen rockstar!
- Perfect for Meal Prep Mac And Cheese—make once, enjoy twice (or thrice!).
- It’s versatile enough for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
- Who doesn’t love a good High Protein One Pot Meal?
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Treat
This recipe is all about turning simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The chicken, seared to perfection, is bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce. And let’s talk about that mac & cheese—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Here’s why I love these ingredients:
- **Chicken Fillets:** Lean, protein-rich, and they soak up the honey garlic sauce like a dream.
- **Honey:** Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- **Elbow Macaroni:** Classic comfort food base that holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
- **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** The sharper, the better for that tangy, cheesy kick!
You’ll find the full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below!
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part. I promise, cooking this dish is as enjoyable as devouring it!
Step 1: Season those chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Heat up some olive oil in a skillet and let’s get those babies golden brown. About 4-5 minutes on each side should do it—until they’re cooked through. Set them aside, but keep them warm because they’re not done shining yet!
Step 2: In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and toss in the minced garlic. Let it get all fragrant and lovely for about a minute. Stir in the honey and a pinch of salt, simmer until it thickens slightly. Add the chicken back to coat in that glorious sauce.
Step 3: Time for the mac! Boil a pot of salted water, cook your elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: In another pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking to keep it smooth. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese. Season to taste.
Step 5: Mix the mac with the cheese sauce, plate it, and top with your honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley or chives. Voilà!
A Few of My Favorite Tips
Here are a few secrets to make this dish even better:
- For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey garlic sauce.
- Use a mix of cheeses in the mac & cheese for a deeper flavor profile.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add some crispy bacon bits on top!
How I Like to Serve This
I love serving this dish with a side of steamed green beans or a light salad to add some freshness and balance. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully!
Storing & Reheating (If There’s Any Left!)
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep the mac & cheese creamy. And if you’re into meal prep, check out my posts on **[Start Your Day Right with High Protein Baked Oatmeal](https://snacknova.com///start-your-day-right-with-high-protein-baked-oatmeal)** and **[Kickstart Your Day with High Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal](https://snacknova.com///kickstart-your-day-with-high-protein-cinnamon-roll-baked-oatmeal)** for more inspiration!
High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 fillets chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked. Keep warm.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter, add garlic, cook until fragrant, stir in honey, and thicken. Coat chicken in sauce.
- Boil salted water, cook macaroni until al dente, drain.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter, whisk in flour, add milk gradually, cook until thick, then stir in cheese until melted.
- Toss macaroni in cheese sauce, plate with chicken on top, and garnish with parsley or chives.
