Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese

There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of sticky-sweet, garlicky chicken served with a scoop of ultra-creamy mac and cheese. This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese is everything you want in a satisfying weeknight dinner—it’s hearty, high in protein, packed with bold flavors, and best of all, it comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week ahead, or just craving a cozy meal, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.

With juicy pan-seared chicken glazed in a glossy honey garlic butter sauce and a side of cheesy, protein-packed pasta, you’ll get a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite. And yes—leftovers reheat like a dream!

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work beautifully too)
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Fresh garlic (don’t skimp on this—it brings the magic)
• Unsalted butter
• Honey (for that irresistible glaze)
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for a touch of acidity)
• Chili flakes (optional, if you want a little kick)

For the High-Protein Mac & Cheese:

• High-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil-based elbows (or your favorite short pasta)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour (to make the roux)
• Unsweetened milk (dairy or a high-protein plant-based option)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts better than pre-bagged!)
• Parmesan cheese (optional but adds amazing umami depth)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder or mustard powder (for flavor complexity)
• Unflavored protein powder (totally optional, but great for boosting the macros)

Instructions

Make the Honey Garlic Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 6–7 minutes per side until beautifully golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat and in the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if using. Add chili flakes if you want heat. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze over it. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so it soaks up that delicious sauce. You’ll love how easy this is!

Make the Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If using, add the scoop of protein powder here—it blends right in without affecting the flavor.
5. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and mix well so every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.

Assemble and Serve:
Plate a big, cozy scoop of mac and cheese, top it with sliced honey garlic butter chicken, and drizzle extra sauce from the pan right over the top. Finish with chopped parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy.

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Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer if needed. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
• Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and gives a smoother texture to your sauce.
• Skip the roux if you’re short on time: Just melt the cheese straight into hot milk—but your sauce will be a little looser.
• Protein boost options: Use chickpea pasta and add unflavored protein powder to the cheese sauce.
• Add vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to add fiber and color to your meal.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of cayenne or sriracha in the honey garlic sauce adds a fiery twist.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the chicken and mac and cheese separately for up to 2 months. This keeps the textures best.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese to restore its creaminess. The chicken can be reheated in a skillet with a touch of water or extra sauce to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots are a great side option.
• For extra fiber and color, stir sautéed kale or spinach into the mac and cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh, and glaze it the same way.
• Low-carb version: Serve the chicken with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies instead of pasta.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese and milk. Choose a high-protein almond or soy milk for best results.
• Different cheese blends: Try smoked gouda, mozzarella, fontina, or pepper jack for fun twists on the classic mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein is in this dish?
Depending on the pasta and protein powder used, you’re looking at around 35–45 grams of protein per serving—a great macro-balanced meal!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.

Is this dish spicy?
Only if you make it that way! The base recipe is sweet and savory, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Both components reheat well. Just store them separately and reheat with care for best texture.

What cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, gouda, fontina, or parmesan for depth and creaminess.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Sure! Use gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free too.

Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, air fry the chicken until golden and cooked through, then toss it in the sauce afterward for extra crisp edges and a sticky glaze.

How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy?
Use enough milk and cheese, and don’t overcook the sauce. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir gently.

Can I grill the chicken?
Definitely. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor—just toss it in the honey garlic butter sauce before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese is the kind of dinner you’ll crave on repeat. It’s hearty, full of bold flavors, and packed with nutrition to fuel your day. Whether you’re serving it to kids, athletes, or just hungry adults after a long day, this dish delivers comfort and balance in every forkful.

Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!