Name: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken w/ Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional); 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); 8 oz high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta); 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups unsweetened milk (dairy or high-protein plant milk); 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken With Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph for busy individuals seeking both indulgence and nutrition. We understand the dilemma of weeknight dinners: the desire for something truly satisfying, yet simple to prepare, without compromising on wholesome ingredients. This exceptional recipe emerges as the perfect solution, marrying two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible plate.

While the rich history of macaroni and cheese dates back centuries as a cherished staple in Western cuisine, and honey garlic glazes have delighted palates across diverse cultures for generations, this particular combination offers a modern, thoughtful twist. It’s a testament to how traditional favorites can be innovatively reimagined to meet contemporary lifestyle needs. We’ve taken the classic, sticky-sweet, and savory notes of perfectly glazed chicken and paired it with a mac and cheese that redefines creamy, rich satisfaction, all while offering a substantial protein boost to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

The magic of this dish lies in its exquisite balance: the vibrant, robust flavors of the tender chicken flawlessly complement the comforting, velvety texture of the pasta. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken With Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese an ideal choice for a stress-free weeknight dinner, yet it’s impressive enough to serve to guests. Prepare to discover why this delightful creation will quickly become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire, consistently delivering on incredible flavor, utmost convenience, and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 2 pounds (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced very finely (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional, but highly recommended for an extra flavor kick!)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for a deeper nutty aroma)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for cooking
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
For the Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese:
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta shape (shells, penne, cavatappi work wonderfully)
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole milk or 2% milk works best for creaminess)
- 1.5 cups (about 350g) cottage cheese, preferably low-fat or 2% (small curd blends more smoothly)
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt, full-fat or 2% (for extra tang and creaminess)
- 2 cups (about 220g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed (freshly grated melts much better!)
- 1 cup (about 110g) shredded mozzarella cheese, packed (adds a lovely stretch and mildness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (this is our secret weapon for enhancing cheesy flavor without tasting like mustard)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust later)

Preparing the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Components

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing the chicken from steaming in the pan. Once dry, cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency in size so that all pieces cook evenly. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Set aside.

Chef’s Tip for Perfect Chicken:

Even if you’re in a rush, don’t skip drying the chicken! Moisture on the surface will inhibit browning, leading to a less flavorful and less appealing texture. A good sear locks in juices and creates wonderful crust.
Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, golden honey, finely minced garlic, optional grated fresh ginger (seriously, try it!), rice vinegar, and optional sesame oil. Whisk all these ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved and everything is well combined. Give it a taste; it should be a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. This will be the incredible sauce for your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it well with a fork until no lumps remain. This cornstarch slurry will be added later to thicken our honey garlic sauce, giving it that luxurious, glossy consistency we all love. Set this aside as well.

Crafting the Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese

Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen macaroni or short pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – meaning it’s still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Undercooking it slightly is better than overcooking, as it will continue to cook a bit more when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta; the residual starch helps the sauce cling better.
Prepare the High Protein Cheese Base: While the pasta is cooking, we’ll get our secret high-protein ingredients ready. In a food processor or a blender, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Process on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible curds from the cottage cheese. This transformation is magical; it becomes an incredibly smooth and rich base that’s packed with protein and adds unparalleled creaminess to our mac and cheese without adding a ton of extra fat.

Why High Protein?

The addition of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt not only boosts the protein content significantly but also contributes to an incredibly luscious and creamy sauce that’s much lighter than traditional béchamel-based mac and cheese, making this truly a Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese.
Make the Roux: In the same large pot (or a separate heavy-bottomed pot/Dutch oven), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste, or roux, forms and cooks out the raw flour taste. It should smell slightly nutty. This roux is the foundation for our wonderfully thick and creamy cheese sauce.
Whisk in the Milk: Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Start with a small amount of milk to create a thick paste, then gradually add the rest, whisking vigorously until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking, and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken to the consistency of a thin gravy.
Introduce the High Protein Creaminess and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the smooth cottage cheese and Greek yogurt mixture into the thickened milk sauce. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated. Now, add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly. This combination of spices will elevate the cheesy flavor of your mac and cheese wonderfully.
Melt the Cheeses: Begin adding the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce in handfuls, stirring constantly after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and smooth before adding more. This gradual process helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky-smooth sauce. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted into a glorious, velvety sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the cheeses and cottage cheese already contribute some saltiness, so season carefully.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained al dente macaroni pasta directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every single piece of pasta is coated in that luscious, Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese sauce.

Cooking the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken to Perfection

Sear the Chicken: Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure good browning. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Chicken thighs typically stay juicier, while breasts cook faster; adjust timing as needed. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. If there’s a lot of residual oil in the pan, you can carefully drain some off, leaving about a tablespoon. Pour the previously whisked honey garlic sauce base into the hot skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these are packed with flavor!). Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: Give your cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk, as cornstarch can settle at the bottom. Pour the slurry into the simmering honey garlic sauce while continuously whisking. Keep whisking for another 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin it slightly.
Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss the chicken gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the glorious, sticky, and shiny sauce. Continue to cook for another minute or two, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and warm through. Your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is now complete and ready to amaze!

Assembling and Serving Your Delicious Meal

Final Presentation: At this point, you have a pot of incredibly creamy, high-protein mac and cheese and a skillet of wonderfully glazed honey garlic chicken. You can serve them separately, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portions, or you can plate them together for a visually appealing and balanced meal.
Garnish and Serve Immediately: For an extra flourish and a burst of freshness, sprinkle your honey garlic chicken with thinly sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds just before serving. The vibrant green against the golden-brown chicken and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds add both color and texture. Serve generous portions of the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken With Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese immediately while everything is hot and at its absolute best.

Serving Suggestion:

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to add more vegetables to your plate. The combination of sweet and savory chicken with the rich and comforting mac and cheese is truly a match made in culinary heaven.
Enjoy! Take a moment to appreciate the incredible aroma wafting from your kitchen. You’ve just created a hearty, satisfying, and deeply flavorful meal that’s packed with protein and comfort. This recipe for “Easy Honey Garlic Chicken With Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese” is sure to become a family favorite. Leftovers, if you have any, store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mac and cheese to restore its creaminess.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create a meal that truly delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and nutrition. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your new go-to for those evenings when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss. My hope is that you’re now feeling inspired and ready to whip up this incredible duo in your own kitchen. The synergy between the sticky, sweet, and savory chicken and the rich, velvety mac and cheese is something you truly have to experience to believe. It’s a culinary hug, a high-five for your taste buds, and a testament to how utterly satisfying home cooking can be. When you bring together the succulent pieces of chicken, glazed to perfection with that irresistible honey-garlic sauce, and pair them with a mac and cheese that is not only unbelievably creamy but also packed with the goodness of protein, you’re not just making dinner; you’re creating an occasion. This meal is designed to banish mealtime boredom and bring genuine joy to your table, whether it’s a quiet weeknight or a bustling family gathering. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone ask for seconds, and perhaps even the recipe! Truly, the combination of our Easy Honey Garlic Chicken With Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese offers an unparalleled dining experience that caters to both your desire for indulgent flavors and your commitment to nourishing your body. It strikes that perfect balance, making it a masterpiece that deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire and is undoubtedly a must-try.

But the magic doesn’t stop once you’ve plated your magnificent meal. Oh no, dear reader, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and how easily you can adapt it to suit your specific tastes or whatever fresh ingredients you happen to have on hand. For the honey garlic chicken, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions just before serving; these simple additions not only add a delightful visual appeal but also introduce a subtle crunch and a fresh, aromatic finish that elevates the entire experience. If you’re looking to stretch the meal further or introduce more greens, a vibrant side salad with a light vinaigrette would be an excellent companion, cutting through the richness beautifully. Alternatively, a simple bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa would perfectly absorb any extra sauce from the chicken, ensuring no drop of that delicious glaze goes to waste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the chicken itself; while we focused on boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness and flavor absorption, chicken breasts can also be used – just be mindful of cooking times to prevent them from drying out. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes added to the honey garlic sauce during the last few minutes of simmering can introduce a lovely spicy kick that complements the sweetness wonderfully.

Now, let’s talk about our show-stopping mac and cheese. This creamy, high-protein wonder is fantastic on its own, but there are countless ways to make it even more ‘you.’ Think about incorporating some finely chopped, sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli florets into the mix for an extra nutritional boost and a pop of color – they blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce. For a textural contrast, a crunchy topping can be a game-changer; a simple mixture of panko breadcrumbs toasted with a little butter, or even crushed crispy fried onions, sprinkled over the top before serving adds a gourmet touch. Feeling adventurous with your cheese choices? While our recipe specifies a delightful blend, don’t hesitate to experiment with smoked gouda for a deeper flavor, or a sharp cheddar for an extra cheesy punch. A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce might sound unusual, but it’s a classic secret ingredient that surprisingly enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth that you’ll adore. And for the ultimate comfort food indulgence, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits mixed into the mac and cheese just before serving is always a crowd-pleaser that adds a salty, smoky dimension.

So, what are you waiting for? This incredible meal, combining the irresistible flavors of honey garlic chicken with the comforting embrace of creamy, high-protein mac and cheese, is calling your name. I genuinely believe that once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your household. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience, a moment of culinary triumph that leaves you feeling satisfied and accomplished. Don’t just read about it, embark on this delicious adventure yourself! Take the plunge, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of this fantastic meal fill your kitchen. And when you do, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? What was your favorite part of the meal? Share your culinary creations with us! Snap a photo, tell us about your serving choices, or even reveal any brilliant variations you came up with. Your insights and shared experiences not only inspire me but also help build a wonderful community of home cooks who are passionate about making delicious, wholesome meals. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together. Happy cooking, everyone!