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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese
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High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese is a comforting yet nutritious dish that features juicy chicken breasts glazed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy mac & cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients to keep you energized and satisfied.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 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

Mac & Cheese

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
  2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: 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, simmering until the sauce slightly thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
  3. Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Mac & Cheese: In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce. Plate the mac & cheese and top with honey garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for freshness and color.

Notes

  • Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Garlic Freshness: Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder for maximum flavor.
  • Creamy Sauce: Slowly add milk to the roux to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
  • Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar melts better and provides richer flavor compared to milder cheeses.
  • Resting Time: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein, honey garlic chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, healthy dinner, meal prep

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/high-protein-honey-garlic-butter-chicken-with-mac-cheese/