Description
This culinary triumph offers busy individuals indulgence and nutrition, combining classic honey garlic chicken with a creamy mac and cheese for a satisfying and easy-to-prepare weeknight dinner. It redefines comfort food with a thoughtful twist for modern lifestyles.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Garlic Chicken
- 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)
For the Creamy High Protein Mac Cheese
- 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
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry, cut into 1-inch pieces, and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (if using), and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the hot skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb flavors.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add high-protein pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander and do not rinse.
- In the same large pot, melt the 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp butter (total 3 tbsp) over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste (roux) forms and smells slightly nutty.
- Slowly pour 1.5 cups unsweetened milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese to the sauce in handfuls, stirring constantly after each addition until all cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the drained al dente pasta directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve generous portions of the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken alongside the Creamy Mac and Cheese immediately while everything is hot and at its best. Garnish the chicken with optional sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Important Information: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese may make the sauce grainy. If the mac and cheese sauce is too thick when reheating, simply add a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, high protein mac cheese, weeknight dinner, comfort food