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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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A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. This high-protein meal is quick and easy to make, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, providing a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors to satisfy your cravings and fuel your body.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Sauce

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mac & Cheese

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mac & Cheese: Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in whole milk until the mixture is smooth and has thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant but not burnt. Place chicken in the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add honey to the garlic butter and allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring to combine everything into a smooth glaze.
  4. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the honey garlic butter sauce over them, ensuring each piece is well coated and sticky. Cook for another 1-2 minutes so the glaze thickens and clings to the chicken.
  5. Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of cheesy mac & cheese onto plates and top with the honey garlic butter chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the dish for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic greatly enhances the flavor compared to pre-minced or garlic powder.
  • Don’t overcook chicken: Cook just until done to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
  • Make the roux carefully: Cook flour and butter long enough to remove raw flour taste but avoid browning.
  • Cheese duo: Combine sharp cheddar with a mild melting cheese for a balanced, creamy sauce.
  • Let sauce thicken: Allow the honey garlic butter sauce to simmer gently to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein, honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

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