Sticky, garlicky, and just the tiniest bit sweetthis one hits like that smell wafting from Grandma’s cast iron skillet on a chilly Sunday morning. High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken is showing up everywhere lately, from TikTok meal preps to Pinterest clean eating boards. And no wonder: it’s super quick, oddly comforting, and makes weekday healthy dinners or meal-prepped lunches actually feel exciting.
This savory-sweet chicken is seared to a golden crisp, then coated in a simple honey garlic butter glaze. Just a few pantry stapleschicken breast, a swirl of honey, fresh garlicbut it tastes like a cozy night in and a fancy takeout fake-out had a baby. Great for meal prep or as a high protein lunch. Full details in the blog!
I came up with this version after a week of seriously weird breakfasts (cold chicken, hummus, and a sad boiled egg… IYKYK). I needed something that felt warm but light, nourishing but not too fussy. Balanced, clean, and real. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken perfect for a Healthy Fast Breakfast or Fat Loss Breakfast Ideas. It’s a great Protein Breakfast option featuring clean eating and wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
3 chicken breasts cubed
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoon avocado oil or oil of choice
2 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
2 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated mozzarella
½ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
12 oz elbow macaroni cooked al dente
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes to marinate.
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken mixture; cook it for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
Lower the heat, stir in butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley until everything is melted and the chicken is thoroughly coated, then set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil, then stir in mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve warm or portion into containers for meal prep.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:550 kcal
Sugar:8 g
Sodium:900 mg
Fat:38 g
Saturated Fat:20 g
Unsaturated Fat:10 g + 8 g
Trans Fat:0 g
Carbohydrates:30 g
Fiber:2 g
Protein:45 g
Cholesterol:120 mg
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Dish
Let’s be honest: finding a dish that’s both indulgent and supports your health goals can be a challenge. That’s where this High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken truly shines! It’s packed with incredible flavor, boasts a delightful touch of sweetness, and perfectly balances your meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick, last-minute dinner, this recipe is a definite keeper.
You’ll also love how incredibly versatile this meal is. It’s ideal as a high-protein lunch to fuel your busiest days, yet comforting enough to grace the family table, perhaps alongside a creamy mac and cheese. Best of all, it’s remarkably simple to prepareeven beginner cooks will find this a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Benefits
This recipe strikes all the right notes for a wholesome, satisfying, and flavorful meal. Here are some of the standout ingredients that make it truly special:
Chicken Breast: The star of this dish, chicken breast, provides high-quality lean protein, making it excellent for supporting fat loss goals and balanced, clean eating recipes.
Honey: Honey contributes the perfect amount of natural sweetness, ensuring the dish remains light and flavorful.
Macaroni: Offers a delightful touch of comfort with al dente pasta, perfectly paired with a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels satisfying without being overly rich.
Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: These essential spices add a wonderful smoky depth and an irresistible aroma that truly makes the flavors pop.
This dish is not only rich in protein but also delivers a cozy, indulgent feel while remaining wholesomethe perfect combination for both comfort and sustained energy.
Step-by-Step Assembly
This delicious recipe comes together effortlessly in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
Marinate the Chicken: Gently toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This brief marination truly helps those flavors seep in and makes all the difference.
Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a skillet, then cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and fully cooked through. Toward the end, add the butter, honey, and fresh parsley, stirring gently until each piece is luxuriously coated in the glistening sauce. Delicious!
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the cream, allowing it to gently bubble. Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and seasonings until the sauce becomes wonderfully smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: While the cheese sauce is thickening, boil the elbow macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente. Rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and ensure the pasta remains delightfully springy.
Put It All Together: Combine the cooked pasta with the luscious cheese sauce directly in the skillet, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes. Serve this comforting mac and cheese alongside your golden, honey-glazed chicken. Truly divine!
Step
Time
Tips
Marinate Chicken
10 minutes
Use a large bowl so everything gets evenly coated.
Cook Chicken
15 minutes
Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Prepare Sauce
10 minutes
Let cheeses melt fully for a smooth finish.
Combine Pasta & Sauce
5 minutes
Simmer on low to avoid burning the cheese.
Smart Swaps & Troubleshooting
This recipe is wonderfully flexible and easily adaptable. Here’s how you can customize it to fit your preferences and what you have on hand:
Need it dairy-free? If you need it dairy-free, simply substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use your favorite dairy-free cheeses. The dish will remain delightfully creamy and delicious!
Out of chicken breast? No chicken breast? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute and will add even more juiciness to the dish.
Sauce too thick? If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency. No need to panicit’s an easy fix!
Pro Tip: Don’t skip rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water! This crucial step will ensure the texture remains perfect and prevent any mushiness.
Serving & Meal Prep Tips
This high-protein dish is wonderful served fresh from the stove, but it also excels as a meal-prep option. Portion the chicken and mac & cheese into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Here’s how to best enjoy your leftovers:
To reheat: Warm gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent hotspots. For the mac and cheese, add a tiny splash of milk to refresh the cheese sauce and restore its creamy texture.
To make it portable: For a lighter, on-the-go lunch option, consider swapping the mac and cheese for steamed vegetables or rice.
Storage
Fridge
Freezer
Honey Garlic Chicken
3-4 days
Up to 3 months
Mac & Cheese
3 days
Not recommended
Whether you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal or seeking healthy fast breakfast (or lunch/dinner!) options to prep ahead, this versatile dish has you covered. With its nostalgic flavors, quick assembly, and impressive protein punch, it’s everything your weeknight (or any day!) needs!
Expert Says
The HIGH PROTEIN HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN combines lean protein from chicken with natural sugars in honey, which help caramelize the dish while balancing flavor. Using butter adds richness, but controlling portion size ensures a satisfying meal without excess fat. This recipe is a great way to boost protein with delicious taste and texture.
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Perfecting My High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a few initial slipssuch as adding the garlic too early or using a bit too much butterI finally perfected the delicate balance of sweet, savory, and protein-packed goodness. It’s truly the culmination of several kitchen experiments and many rounds of delicious tasting by my very hungry family.
FAQs ( High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken )
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This meal can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain the butter sauce’s smooth texture. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender.
What side dishes pair well with this dish?
Fresh steamed vegetables or a simple side salad complement the richness of this dish nicely. For a balanced meal, try serving it with roasted asparagus or garlic green beans to add texture and brighten the flavors without overpowering the stir-fry.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Use chicken thighs or breasts cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. Cook over medium heat and avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to lock in juices for a tender bite every time.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can easily adjust the sauce’s sweetness by reducing the honey or substituting part of it with a sugar-free alternative. Taste as you go to achieve a perfect balance that suits your preference without overwhelming the dish’s savory notes.
Is this stir-fry suitable for clean eating diets?
This recipe uses whole, minimally processed ingredients making it a good fit for clean eating. Focus on fresh chicken, natural honey, and quality butter for flavor. Pairing it with steamed vegetables will keep it aligned with clean eating principles.
Conclusion
Whipping up this incredible High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken takes less than 40 minutes, and the payoff is absolutely worth it! You’ll be greeted with a golden, sticky glaze that fills your kitchen with an aroma as comforting as a warm hug. Tender chicken bathed in buttery sweetness creates that irresistible, cozy vibe we all crave on busy nights. You’ll adore how effortlessly it comes togethersimple, deeply satisfying, and packed with protein to keep you energized and on track.
For a delightful twist, consider swapping the smoked paprika for a pinch of chili flakes to introduce a subtle kick. If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonders and doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here’s a pro tip from my kitchen: always add a splash of broth when reheating to keep everything wonderfully juicy and saucyno more sad, dry bites! Serving it alongside steamed greens or a crisp fresh salad perfectly balances its richness.
Did this recipe evoke any comfort food memories for you? I’d love to see your photos or hear about your own comforting twists in the comments below! Don’t forget to save or share this healthy fast breakfast (and dinner!) winner with friends and familyit’s truly the cozy, wholesome food hug everyone deserves!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
