HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN MAC

Craving something comforting, flavorful, *and* packed with protein? Let’s face it, we all love a good mac and cheese, but sometimes it’s just not the most balanced meal. Well, get ready to have your mac & cheese world completely revolutionized! This Honey Garlic High Protein Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe delivers on all fronts – creamy, cheesy goodness infused with sweet and savory honey garlic chicken, all while giving you a serious protein boost. Prepare to be amazed at how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!

For the Honey Garlic Chicken:

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces. The leaner, the better for maximizing that protein!
• Honey: 3 tablespoons. Adds that touch of sweetness we all crave.
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. For umami and depth of flavor. Low sodium is a good option!
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a kick!).
• Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon (for garnish, optional).
• Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional).

For the High Protein Mac & Cheese:

• Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added nutrients!
• Chicken Broth: 3 cups. Adds more flavor than water.
• Cottage Cheese: 1 cup (low-fat). The secret ingredient for creamy, protein-packed goodness!
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Feel free to mix it up with other cheeses you love!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a nutty, salty flavor.
• Milk: 1/2 cup (low-fat or skim). Adjust to your desired consistency.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!

Step-by-Step to Cheesy Honey Garlic Heaven

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly simple, I promise.

Preparing the Honey Garlic Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor!).
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Crafting the High Protein Mac & Cheese:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, in a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This step is KEY!
3. In the same pot you cooked the pasta in, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the blended cottage cheese mixture, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and honey garlic chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

Serving Up the Deliciousness:

1. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (if using).
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your guilt-free, protein-packed Honey Garlic High Protein Chicken Mac & Cheese!

The Secret Ingredient: Protein Power!

What makes this mac & cheese so special? The secret lies in the cottage cheese! It adds a fantastic creamy texture while boosting the protein content significantly. You won’t even taste it, I promise! It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re trying to eat healthier without sacrificing your favorite comfort foods.

Tips & Tricks for Mac & Cheese Perfection

We all want mac & cheese that’s the perfect consistency. Here are my best tips!

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Nobody likes mushy mac. Cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Adjust the Milk: If your mac & cheese is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Veggies: Broccoli, peas, spinach, or roasted vegetables would all be delicious additions.
• Different Cheese: Try using different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the cheese sauce.
• Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon!

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Honey Garlic High Protein Chicken Mac & Cheese isn’t just delicious; it’s also a smart choice. It’s packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor. It’s a win-win!

Beyond Mac: Honey Garlic Chicken Inspiration

If you’re loving the honey garlic flavor, you’ve GOT to try some of my other recipes that feature this amazing combination! For a quick and easy meal, check out these CHEESY GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPS. Or, if you’re in the mood for pasta, you might really enjoy my GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA, it is a creamy delight that you are sure to enjoy. We also have a similar take on this with our HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA! Additionally, for a simple chicken dish, try my GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN recipe. Looking for something else with mac? Be sure to check out this HONEY PEPPER MAC, it’s sure to delight! And of course, don’t forget my signature HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN, a real crowd-pleaser!

Storing & Reheating Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Honey Garlic High Protein Chicken Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Your New Go-To Comfort Meal

I hope you love this Honey Garlic High Protein Chicken Mac & Cheese as much as I do! It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, go ahead, give it a try! You’ve got this! And remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy!

Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Honey Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe elevates a classic comfort food into a protein-packed and flavorful meal. Creamy, cheesy goodness is infused with sweet and savory honey garlic chicken, creating a satisfying and guilt-free dish perfect for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Blender or Food Processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula or spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced optional
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup low-fat or skim milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor!).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, in a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
• In the same pot you cooked the pasta in, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in the blended cottage cheese mixture, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked macaroni and honey garlic chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (if using).
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For the best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it al dente. Adjust the milk to reach your desired sauce consistency. To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed, or on the stovetop over low heat. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add vegetables like broccoli or peas, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.