Dinner

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese Recipe

ByAndria Russo November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

Introduction

This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken paired with creamy Mac & Cheese is a comforting meal that combines savory and sweet flavors perfectly. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s both satisfying and packed with protein, great for a hearty family dinner.

The image shows a white round plate with three pieces of grilled chicken breast placed closely in the middle. The chicken is golden brown with dark grill marks and a shiny glaze that looks slightly sticky. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. Next to the chicken, on the left side of the plate, is a serving of creamy macaroni and cheese with small elbow pasta coated in a light yellow cheese sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
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 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and a pinch of salt, then simmer until the sauce slightly thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it well with the sauce.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce. Plate the mac & cheese and top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of garlic and honey for 15 minutes before cooking.
Use smoked cheddar for a smoky twist on the mac & cheese.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey garlic sauce for a subtle heat.
Sprinkle some crispy breadcrumbs on top of the mac & cheese before serving for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and mac & cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to the mac & cheese to restore creaminess if needed.