High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken served with creamy mac and cheese

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

28 décembre 2025 par Chef Hanna Zest

This one-pan friendly recipe pairs honey garlic butter chicken with a creamy mac and cheese base for a fast, satisfying dinner that fills you up. It’s built to move from stove to table in minimal time while delivering big flavor and solid protein. Swap in quick-shred or pre-cooked options to shave minutes without losing comfort. If you like bold garlic chicken dinners, check this twist on roasted flavors like rustic roasted garlic chicken with creamy asiago gravy for another speedy option.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Why This Recipe Works

The method splits work so nothing overcooks: pasta cooks while chicken browns, and the cheese sauce comes together fast. Butter and honey create an easy glaze that clings to the chicken for glossy, appetizing bites. Using simple pantry ingredients keeps the recipe accessible and repeatable on busy nights. A short sear gives a caramelized edge without long oven time. It’s flexible for swaps like Greek yogurt in place of cream for a lighter sauce. For a different quick dinner vibe, try a similar one skillet idea such as one pot spicy garlic butter chicken tortellini.

Flavor and Texture

Sweet honey and nutty butter balance the sharp garlic for a familiar, crowd-pleasing profile. The chicken gets a thin caramelized crust while staying juicy inside thanks to high heat and a short cook. Creamy macaroni provides a silky base that soaks up sauce and keeps each forkful cohesive. Choosing a melty cheese like cheddar enhances stretch and richness, while a splash of milk or cream lightens the texture. Finish with parsley for freshness and a color pop that brightens the plate.

Ingredients

– Chicken breasts
– Honey
– Garlic
– Butter
– Macaroni pasta
– Cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– Milk or cream
– Salt
– Pepper
– Olive oil
– Parsley (for garnish)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Drizzle honey over the chicken and allow it to caramelize slightly.
5. In a separate pot, combine cooked macaroni with cheese and milk, stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy.
6. Serve the honey garlic chicken over a bed of mac and cheese, garnished with parsley.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Trim and pound chicken breasts thin for faster, even cooking and a shorter skillet time. Use pre-shredded cheese and warm milk to speed melting and avoid grainy sauce. If pressed for time, swap fresh garlic for a teaspoon of garlic paste or concentrate. Cook pasta one minute less than package directions so it finishes in the cheese sauce and stays perfectly tender. Rest the chicken briefly after cooking to keep juices locked in and make slicing clean and quick.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep chicken sliced and mac and cheese separate when possible to maintain texture; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk. For meal prep, portion into single-serve containers and add parsley right before serving to preserve freshness. This dish freezes okay for up to a month but expect slight texture change in the sauce after thawing.

Short Closing Note

This recipe gives you comfort food speed without sacrificing protein or flavor. It’s ideal for busy cooks who want reliable weeknight wins with minimal cleanup.

FAQ

Can this be made in under 30 minutes?

Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.

Does it work for meal prep?

Most versions store well for one to three days.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.