Go Back
- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is rich in flavor and protein. The chicken breast is lean, while the cheeses and yogurt add creaminess and depth. Honey and garlic give a sweet and savory taste that everyone loves. You can make this dish your own by adding extra ingredients. Here are some suggestions: - Cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor - Broccoli florets or spinach for a veggie boost - Different cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda, for varied taste - Hot sauce for a kick of heat Feel free to mix and match these additions to suit your taste! - Chicken Breast: Packed with protein, low in fat, and helps build muscle. - Cottage Cheese: A great source of protein and calcium, perfect for a creamy texture. - Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and probiotics, which are good for gut health. - Honey: Provides natural sweetness and has antioxidants. These ingredients not only taste great but also offer many health benefits. Eating high-protein meals can help you feel full longer and support your fitness goals. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot. Use salted boiling water and follow the package instructions. Cook until the macaroni is al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast. Season it with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes. You want the chicken to be well-browned and fully cooked. When ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned. After that, stir in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and ground ginger. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it in the honey garlic sauce until it's fully coated. Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the drained macaroni, the chicken mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Stir everything until the ingredients are well mixed. Transfer the mac and cheese mix into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. For a tasty topping, sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be golden and bubbly. After baking, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get that creamy texture, use a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar adds flavor, while cottage cheese and Greek yogurt help with creaminess. Make sure to stir well. This helps everything blend nicely. If the mix feels too thick, add a splash of milk. This will make it smooth and rich. Don't skip on seasoning! Salt and pepper are key, but you can add more. Try garlic powder or smoked paprika for depth. A hint of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish, too. These small changes can really elevate the flavor. You can make this dish ahead of time! Just prepare it up to baking. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. If it's cold, it may take a little longer. For reheating, use the oven for best results. This keeps the cheese melty and the top crispy. Enjoy your warm, comforting mac and cheese! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged to enhance flavor and meltability. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, let the diced chicken marinate in the honey-soy mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to swap elbow macaroni for any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells or penne, for a different texture. Garnish for Freshness: Always add fresh herbs or green onions just before serving to brighten up the dish and enhance presentation. {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well. It gives a leaner taste. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Use firm tofu and cube it. Cook it the same way as chicken. This keeps the dish high in protein while meeting different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free elbow macaroni. Many brands offer great taste without gluten. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. These choices still provide the fun shape and texture of pasta. Plus, they add more veggies to your meal. If you need dairy-free cheese, many brands are available. Look for vegan cheese that melts well. Nutritional yeast is another good option. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also adjust the cheese types based on your taste. Try gouda or pepper jack for a twist! To store your High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat later. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. You can freeze this dish if you want to keep it longer. First, cool it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot. In the fridge, it stays good for about four days. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Don’t forget to enjoy it while it's still fresh! You can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, penne, or shells work well. They hold the cheese and sauce nicely. Choose whole grain or gluten-free options for different diets. Yes, you can! Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt. Look for plant-based options in stores. You can also swap butter for vegan butter. This keeps the flavor while meeting your needs. To make more servings, double the ingredients. Use a larger pot and baking dish. Keep the cooking times the same for pasta and chicken. Just ensure everything is heated through and bubbly. Great side dishes include steamed veggies, salad, or garlic bread. Roasted broccoli or green beans add nice color and crunch. Pair with a light drink for a balanced meal. This blog post shared how to make high-protein honey garlic butter chicken mac and cheese. You learned about key ingredients and cooking steps. We discussed tips for creamy texture and seasoning. You saw options for variations to fit your needs. Finally, we covered storage practices to keep your dish fresh. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients that you love!

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese

A delicious and hearty mac and cheese dish packed with protein from chicken and enriched with a sweet honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and set aside.
  • While the macaroni is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is well-browned and completely cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes aromatic but not browned.
  • Once fragrant, stir in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and ground ginger. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, enabling the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the honey garlic sauce until it is fully coated. Set this aside off the heat.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni, the chicken mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and mixed.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle additional sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
  • Place the baking dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • For a fresh finish, garnish with the sliced green onions just before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or portion into bowls and sprinkle extra green onions on top for a colorful contrast.
Keyword chicken, high protein, honey garlic, mac and cheese