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Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Cooking Alt Text: High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese cooking in a cast iron skillet with golden honey glaze

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Tender chicken breasts glazed in honey garlic butter sauce served over creamy homemade mac and cheese for a protein-packed comfort meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1095

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast skinless and boneless, pounded to even thickness
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 4 tablespoons butter divided use
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the roux

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and cover with foil to rest.
  2. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the pan and coat with the glaze.
  3. Add macaroni to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
  4. While the pasta cooks, melt remaining butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Toss pasta in the sauce. Serve the sliced chicken over the mac and cheese and garnish with parsley.

Notes

For juicier chicken, let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.