High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

It is 6pm on a chilly Tuesday. You are tired from work. You want comfort food that actually hits your goals.

Stop scrolling because this Honey Garlic Chicken Mac is the answer. It is creamy, sticky, and totally addictive. You get all the cozy fall vibes without the heavy food coma.

Why This Honey Garlic Chicken Mac Works

This recipe is a game-changer for your busy fall weeknights. It combines two fan favorites into one nutrient-dense powerhouse meal. You get high-fiber pasta and lean protein in every single bite.

The secret is the blended cottage cheese sauce. It stays incredibly creamy without all the heavy cream. Your family will never guess this is a healthy reset meal.

Easy Cooking Steps

Making this dish is surprisingly simple and fast. You can have everything on the table in under 45 minutes. We use smart shortcuts like a blender sauce to save time.

Even if you are a beginner, you can master this glaze. It thickens up perfectly in just a few minutes. You will love how the sauce clings to every piece of chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these items are pantry staples you already have. Grab some fresh chicken and you are ready to go.

• 600g Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tbsp Honey
• 2 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 250g Chickpea macaroni pasta
• 150g Low-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
• 100g Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 60ml Unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the chickpea macaroni in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Place cottage cheese, almond milk, garlic powder, and onion powder in a blender and process until smooth.
3. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the blended mixture and cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated; keep warm on low heat.
5. Toss the cubed chicken breast with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken until browned and cooked through.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter and minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
8. Pour honey and soy sauce over chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
9. Divide the mac and cheese into portions and top with the honey garlic chicken.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this Honey Garlic Chicken Mac while the cheese is still stretchy and warm. It looks beautiful in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of green onions. You can pair it with a crisp side salad.

For a complete meal, try adding roasted broccoli or green beans. The sweetness of the chicken glaze pairs perfectly with charred vegetables. It is an impressive dish for a casual date night too.

How to Store Leftovers

This recipe is a meal prep dream come true. The chicken stays juicy and the sauce holds up well. Store it in airtight containers for up to four days. Reheat it with a tiny splash of almond milk to restore the creaminess.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcook the chickpea pasta or it will get mushy.
• Blend the cottage cheese until it is completely liquid for the best texture.
• Use a very hot skillet to get that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
• Mince your garlic fresh for the most punchy flavor profile.
• Keep the cheese sauce on low heat so it does not separate.
• Toss the chicken in cornstarch right before cooking for maximum crispiness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap the chicken for shrimp for a faster cooking time.
• Use whole wheat pasta if you prefer it over chickpea varieties.
• Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Stir in fresh spinach at the end for an easy veggie boost.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, but the sauce will be tangier. Cottage cheese is milder and creamier when blended.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is! Chickpea pasta and cornstarch are naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just check your soy sauce label.

Can I freeze this meal?

I do not recommend freezing the mac and cheese. The texture of the cheese sauce might change after thawing.

You deserve a dinner that tastes like a cheat meal but fuels your body. Go make this now!

— Jasmine

High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac & Cheese

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 600 g Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Cornstarc h
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tbsp Hone y
• 2 tbsp Low -sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves Garlic , minced
• 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 250 g Chickpea macaroni pasta
• 150 g Low -fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
• 100 g Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 60 ml Unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion powder

Method

 

1. Boil the chickpea macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Place the low-fat cottage cheese, almond milk, garlic powder, and onion powder in a blender and process until completely smooth.
3. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the blended cottage cheese mixture and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is uniform.
4. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated; keep warm on low heat.
5. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken breast with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
7. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Pour the honey and soy sauce over the chicken. Stir to combine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken.
9. Divide the mac and cheese into four portions and top with the honey garlic chicken glaze.