Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese

Introduction

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese is the ultimate duo for anyone who craves comforting flavors without sacrificing nutrition or hours in the kitchen. The savory-sweet chicken pairs beautifully with a luscious, better-for-you mac & cheese, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, satisfying family dinners, or nutritious meal prep. This recipe efficiently delivers bold flavor and creamy texture—all on one plate.

Why You’ll Love This Flavor-Packed Combo

What sets this dish apart is its balance: the sticky, garlicky glaze clings to juicy chicken bites while the protein-packed mac & cheese provides a creamy, cozy side that supports an active lifestyle. Fast, fuss-free prep and pantry-friendly ingredients mean you’re just minutes away from a hearty meal that feels like a treat but keeps you on track with your nutrition goals.

The Secret to Tender Honey Garlic Chicken

A simple marinade of honey, garlic, and soy sauce transforms chicken into bite-sized pieces bursting with umami and caramelized edges. Searing the chicken locks in flavor and creates just the right amount of char. Fresh ginger or a splash of sriracha can be added for a subtle heat, if you like.

Building Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese

While the chicken sizzles, you’ll blend traditional macaroni with a sauce enriched by Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein boost without heavy cream. High-protein pasta is the game changer, keeping the texture chewy and satisfying while amping up your macros. Add sharp cheddar and a touch of Parmesan for a melty, flavorful finish.

How to Serve Your Honey Garlic Chicken & Protein Mac

Plate your golden chicken over a generous scoop of creamy mac & cheese, garnish with sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. This duo appeals to kids and adults alike and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 generous servings. Each serving of chicken with mac & cheese is approximately 480–550 calories, with 30–35 grams of protein, depending on your pasta and cheese choices. It’s a balanced meal offering carbs, lean protein, and savory-sweet satisfaction.

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken with Creamy High-Protein Mac & Cheese (Recap)

Bold honey garlic chicken and velvety high-protein mac & cheese come together for a delicious, nutritious weeknight favorite. Simple, quick, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—this is a meal you’ll come back to often.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a categorized shopping list—all ingredients organized by grocery aisle for streamlined shopping and better meal planning.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and (if using) ginger or sriracha. Toss chicken pieces in marinade and let sit for 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
2. Cook the Protein Pasta: Prepare the high-protein macaroni according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken pieces (shaking off excess marinade) and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Add remaining marinade and simmer for 2 minutes until sticky and glazed. Set aside, keeping warm.
4. Blend the Mac & Cheese Sauce: While chicken cooks, blend cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) and milk in a blender until smooth. Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Warm until cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy.
5. Combine & Serve: Toss drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired creaminess. Plate with honey garlic chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Weekly Meal Planning

Make mealtimes simpler by using this recipe as part of your weekly plan. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days you’ll serve it—CookifyAI will automatically combine ingredients from all your planned meals. No more duplicate purchases, forgotten items, or wasted time.

How CookifyAI streamlines your week:

– Calculates total ingredient needs for all your chosen recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by store section for quicker grocery trips
– Highlights overlapping ingredients (like milk, cheese, or chicken) for less waste
– Makes prepping multiple meals each week truly efficient

Pro tip: Try scheduling this meal alongside others using chicken or cheese—CookifyAI’s smart list ensures you’ll know exactly how much to buy.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes