Description
A delicious and hearty high-protein meal featuring tender honey garlic butter chicken paired with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for post-workout recovery or a filling family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter (for mac and cheese)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Slice and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add paprika if using.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Plate mac and cheese with sliced honey garlic butter chicken on top or on the side. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra protein, use high-protein pasta in place of regular macaroni.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- Adjust honey amount based on desired sweetness.
- Use reduced-fat cheese and milk to lighten the mac and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 135mg