Description
A delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender honey garlic chicken paired with a creamy, high-protein mac and cheese. This recipe balances savory and sweet flavors with a touch of garlic and honey sauce, served alongside a rich cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce coating protein-rich pasta.
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 and Cheese
- 8 oz high-protein pasta (such as 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
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. Lightly season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (if using), and chili flakes (if using). Set this aromatic sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Simmer Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the hot skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom to infuse flavor. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Coat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them gently to coat thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander; do not rinse, so the sauce adheres well.
- Make the Roux: In the same large pot, melt the total 3 tablespoons of butter (2 tbsp unsalted butter plus 1 tbsp butter) over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a thick paste (roux) forms and emits a slightly nutty aroma.
- Whisk in Milk: Slowly pour 1.5 cups of unsweetened milk into the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while whisking, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese in handfuls, stirring constantly after each addition until fully melted, creating a smooth and velvety cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained al dente pasta directly into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheese mixture.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve generous portions of the Easy Honey Garlic Chicken alongside the creamy high-protein mac and cheese immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added flavor and presentation boost. Enjoy this wholesome and comforting meal!
Notes
- Use either chicken thighs or breasts based on preference; thighs provide more juiciness and flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar and chili flakes are optional but add a lovely tang and spice balance.
- High-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta boosts nutrition without sacrificing texture.
- Do not rinse pasta after draining to help the cheese sauce cling better.
- Adjust seasoning of the cheese sauce carefully to enhance flavor without overpowering the honey garlic chicken.
- Garnish suggestions like green onions and sesame seeds are optional but recommended for a nice finishing touch.
