High‑Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

This dish brings together juicy, protein-packed chicken coated in a sticky honey-garlic-butter sauce, paired with a creamy, cheesy mac & cheese base. It’s comfort food that’s also satisfying and filling.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein — the chicken makes it a hearty meal
• Sweet and savory sauce that’s rich but not cloying
• Creamy, cheesy mac & cheese that pairs perfectly
• Family-friendly and sure to please everyone
• Makes great leftovers for lunches or meal prep

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 500 g (about 1.1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)

For the Mac & Cheese

• 200 g (about 7 oz) macaroni or small pasta
• 1½ cups milk (whole or semi-skim)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cottage cheese (or cream cheese for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley or chives
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
   • Add the milk and gently heat without boiling.
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar and cottage (or cream) cheese until melted and smooth.
   • Add Dijon mustard if using, and season with salt and pepper.
   • Mix in the cooked pasta so it’s well-coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (~5–7 minutes).
   • Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
   • Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   • Stir in the honey and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
   • If using, stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
5. Combine Chicken with Sauce
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey-garlic butter sauce.
   • Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
6. Serve
   • Spoon a generous portion of the creamy mac & cheese into bowls.
   • Top with the honey garlic butter chicken.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

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You Must Know

• Use moderate heat when making the honey-garlic sauce to avoid burning the garlic.
• Stir the cheese sauce gently to prevent it from becoming grainy.
• Let the sauce reduce just enough to thicken — it continues to thicken as it cools.
• If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of milk or water.

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Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in separate containers — one for the chicken and one for the mac & cheese — for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to help loosen the mac & cheese.
• Freezing: You can freeze the mac & cheese portion, but the texture might change slightly when thawed.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: Use turkey breast or thighs for variation.
• Cheese: Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or use Colby.
• Honey: Use maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk for a lighter version.
• Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work if you need gluten-free.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli for freshness.
• Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
• Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce on the side for a spicy kick.

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Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
• To make the mac & cheese extra creamy, use half cream cheese and half cottage cheese.
• Scrape any browned bits from the chicken pan when making the butter sauce — they add flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Use cooked chicken strips or shredded chicken, then toss it in the honey garlic butter sauce.

→ Can I reduce the carbs?
Sure — replace pasta with cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

→ Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely. The sweet honey and mild garlic butter sauce usually go over well with kids.

→ Can I make it dairy‑free?
Use dairy-free butter and plant-based “cheese” and milk — though the texture will be slightly different.

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✨ This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese brings sweet, savory, and creamy flavors into one delicious, protein-packed meal. Enjoy!

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