How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac n Cheese

This dish takes comfort food to a whole new level. Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets tender chunks of chicken glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce—all while packing a serious protein punch. It’s hearty enough for dinner, satisfying enough for leftovers, and lightened up to keep things balanced. Whether you’re fueling up after a long day or just want a cozy bowl of goodness, this recipe has your name on it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Rich – Keeps you full and fueled with lean chicken and protein-enriched pasta.
Bold Flavor – That honey garlic butter glaze? Pure magic.
Ultra Creamy – The cheese sauce is velvety, smooth, and lighter than you’d expect.
Sweet Meets Savory – The combo of garlic, honey, and butter adds a gourmet twist.
Comfort Food Reimagined – Cozy without being heavy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp light butter

For the Mac n Cheese:

• 8 oz high-protein elbow pasta (chickpea or lentil-based work well)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sauté until fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic, honey, and butter. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Stir in shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine:

Stir cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Fold in the honey garlic chicken. Mix until everything is well coated.

Serve:

Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

Tips for Success

• Use Protein Pasta: Look for chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat pasta for added nutrients.
• Watch the Heat: Don’t burn the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
• Choose Good Cheese: A sharp cheddar adds more flavor so you can use less.
• Thin if Needed: If the cheese sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for quick lunches.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe checks all the boxes: high in protein, lower in processed ingredients, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a smart way to enjoy classic mac n cheese with a delicious, savory twist from the honey garlic chicken. Great for families, meal prep, or just curling up with a big bowl of comfort.

Craving comfort food but want something nourishing? This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac n Cheese delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with a sweet-savory kick—all while keeping things balanced. It’s a weeknight winner you’ll want on repeat.