High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese – Maja’s Recipes

Introduction

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese combines two exceptional comfort dishes into one powerhouse meal—tender, flavorful chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce, paired with ultra-creamy, protein-packed mac and cheese. This recipe stands out for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dinner that delivers on flavor and keeps you feeling satisfied, making it a dream for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or healthy meal prep.

Flavorful Simplicity in Every Bite

What makes this dish irresistible is the mouthwatering blend of sticky, savory honey garlic butter chicken served over a luscious, high-protein mac and cheese. The buttery garlic sauce perfectly complements the cheesy pasta, while added protein ensures you get a substantial, muscle-nourishing meal. Perfectly balanced, crave-worthy, and easy to prepare—it’s a real crowd pleaser!

The Secret to Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

For the chicken, using lean cuts like boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs ensures a high protein punch without extra fat. The honey garlic butter sauce is key: a nuanced medley of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rich butter, simmered until sticky and aromatic. Finish with a splash of lemon for brightness, and fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Upgrade Your Mac & Cheese (The Protein Way)

Traditional mac and cheese gets a nutritional upgrade with the addition of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or protein-rich milk to amp up protein content without sacrificing creaminess. Blend in sharp cheddar for flavor depth and a little mozzarella for a stretchy, melty texture. Consider whole grain or legume-based pasta for even more protein.

Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping Meal

Spoon the creamy mac and cheese onto plates and top with generous slices of glazed chicken. Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce, add fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A simple green salad or roasted veggies makes the meal complete and well-balanced.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 hearty portions. Each serving contains about 40g protein, 15g fat, and 50g carbs (values may vary by exact ingredients), making it an excellent option for anyone seeking a high protein, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese (Recap)

This recipe is the ultimate comfort feast—juicy, flavorful chicken coated in a decadent sauce, served alongside an irresistibly cheesy, protein-enriched mac and cheese. It’s balanced, filling, and sure to please even picky eaters.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe on CookifyAI to auto-generate a smart grocery list sorted by store section, so prepping for high-protein meals becomes seamless and efficient.

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden and nearly cooked through (5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Glaze & Finish Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over pieces, and simmer another 3–4 minutes or until chicken is glazed and cooked through. Turn off heat and sprinkle with parsley.
4. Make the High Protein Mac & Cheese: While chicken cooks, prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot.
5. Cheese Sauce: Over medium-low heat, add milk and Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese) to the pasta. Stir until well combined and warmed. Gradually mix in all cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted, smooth, and creamy.
6. Serve: Plate mac & cheese, top with sliced glazed chicken, and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This high-protein twist on a classic comfort combo is a stellar addition to any meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to easily plan your dinner rotation, automatically consolidate shopping lists, and track your protein intake throughout the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines ingredients from all scheduled meals for one efficient shopping list
• Organizes your grocery list by store section for time-saving trips
• Reduces overbuying and forgotten items, cutting down kitchen waste
• Keeps your weekly menu high in protein and flavor variety

Pro tip: Schedule multiple protein-rich recipes to see total protein needs at a glance—CookifyAI handles all calculation and organization for you, making healthy eating straightforward.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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Enjoy the rich taste and nutritional boost of Maja’s High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese—comfort food reinvented for your active lifestyle!