High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
This is the comfort dinner that never survives the night — golden chicken lacquered in sticky honey garlic butter next to a pot of creamy, sharp-cheddar mac and cheese. And with 52 grams of protein per serving, it earns its high-protein title honestly.
More comfort-food favorites: our Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Bites and the Healthy Creamy Steak Penne.
Why This Recipe Works
- The glaze is built in the chicken pan — butter, garlic, honey and soy pick up every browned bit.
- Greek yogurt in the cheese sauce adds protein and tang while keeping it silky.
- Two components, one timeline — the mac cooks while the chicken sears, so dinner lands together.
- Kid-approved, gym-friendly — rare is the dinner that makes both camps happy.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts, a five-ingredient glaze, and a classic stovetop mac: butter, flour, milk, sharp cheddar and a spoonful of Dijon for depth. Nothing fancy, everything purposeful.
(The full ingredient list with US and metric amounts is in the recipe card below.)
How to Make It
- Boil the macaroni; save some pasta water.
- Season and sear the chicken; rest and slice.
- Build the honey garlic butter glaze in the same pan; coat the chicken.
- Make the cheese sauce, toss the mac, and serve together with parsley.
Tips for the Best Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks at the same rate edge to edge.
- Grate your own cheddar — pre-shredded cheese is coated and melts grainy.
- Add the yogurt off the heat so the sauce stays smooth.
- Slice the chicken before glazing so every piece gets coated.
Storage
Refrigerate the chicken and mac separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the mac gently with a splash of milk, stirring often; warm the chicken in a skillet so the glaze shines again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — boneless thighs are juicier and very forgiving. Cook to 165°F (74°C) and slice the same way.
How do I raise the protein even more?
Use high-protein milk, add an extra 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt to the sauce, or stir a cup of blended cottage cheese into the mac.
Can I bake the mac instead?
Yes — pour it into a dish, top with extra cheddar and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Is the glaze spicy?
Not as written — it is sweet and garlicky. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if your house likes heat.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
Course: DinnerCuisine: American4
servings15
minutes25
minutes720
kcal40
minutesGolden chicken glazed in sticky honey garlic butter, served with creamy homemade mac and cheese. A high-protein comfort dinner — 52 grams of protein per serving — that the whole family asks for on repeat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup (115 g) honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
12 ounces (340 g) elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups (480 ml) milk
1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, to serve
Directions
- Cook the macaroni in salted water until just al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season the chicken with the garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Sear in the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Rest, then slice.
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and cook the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the honey, soy sauce and vinegar; simmer 1 to 2 minutes until glossy. Return the chicken and toss to coat.
- For the mac and cheese, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a pot, whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk. Simmer, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheddar, Greek yogurt and Dijon until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the macaroni through the cheese sauce, loosening with a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Serve the mac and cheese with the glazed chicken on top or alongside, finished with parsley.
Notes
- Nutrition (estimated per serving): 720 kcal, protein 52 g, carbohydrates 68 g, fat 26 g, saturated fat 12 g, sugar 20 g, fiber 3 g, sodium 940 mg.
