High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Weight Loss

Name: High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Weight Loss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The smell of garlic sizzling in butter brings me straight back to my mom’s linoleum kitchen, floor creaking under sock feet, dinner bubbling on the stove. This High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken has that same cozy vibe with a healthy little twist. It’s been showing up everywhere latelyand no wonder. Tender chicken, sticky-sweet sauce, and a satisfying protein boost? Yes, please.

Contents show

This dish cooks up fast with lean chicken breasts, honey, and just a touch of butter for richness. The garlic caramelizes right into the sauce, creating something that feels way fancier than it is. Think takeout flavor, but made in your own kitchenwith ingredients you already have. Great for weeknights, meal prep, or even a savory spin on a healthy fast breakfast when paired with rice or veggies.

Started making versions of this back in 2017, when I was deep in lunch-packing mode for my teenagers and needed something tasty but not fussy. The first time I nailed the balancegarlic golden but not burnt, honey just thick enoughmy kids scraped every bite off their plates. What made the real difference? Letting the sauce simmer low and slow right at the end. After years writing about simple, wholesome meals, this one still makes it into my rotation weekly.

HIGH PROTEIN HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Yesica Andrews

High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Weight Loss

This delicious High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken combined with creamy mac and cheese is an excellent choice for a Healthy Fast Breakfast or Fat Loss Breakfast Ideas. Packed with protein, it fits perfectly into Protein Breakfast plans and offers a comforting yet nutritious meal for any time of the day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

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

Method

In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for around 10 to 15 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Lower the heat and mix in butter, honey, and fresh parsley, letting the sauce coat the chicken evenly before removing it from the heat.
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat to deglaze the pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and allow it to gently simmer.
Add mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Serve the honey garlic butter chicken alongside the creamy mac and cheese hot, or divide into four airtight containers for convenient meal prepping.

Notes

For meal prep, store in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess. Adjust seasoning to taste. This dish balances comfort and nutrition perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome comfort: Enjoy the best of both worlds with this high-protein honey garlic butter chicken and mac and cheese. Every bite feels indulgent, yet it’s perfectly balanced with a protein-rich twist.
Quick and simple: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that won’t have you stuck in the kitchen.
Nostalgic flavors: Think buttery garlic, a hint of sweetness from honey, and creamy, cheesy goodnessall the things you love about home-cooked meals.
Meal prep friendly: Perfect for making ahead and storing for easy lunches or dinners all week long.

Key Ingredients & Tools

Chicken: Cubed chicken breasts are the star of this dish, marinated in olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper for bold, savory flavor.

Sweet and Savory Glaze: A delightful mix of butter, honey, and freshly chopped parsley transforms the chicken, creating a sweet, sticky, and utterly addictive glaze.

Mac and Cheese: Elbow macaroni is coated in a dreamy sauce crafted from heavy cream, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic, and smoked paprika, delivering cheesy goodness without being overly rich.

Essential Tools: You’ll need a large skillet (nonstick or cast iron works great), along with measuring cups, spoons, and a pot for boiling the pasta.

Step-by-Step: How It Comes Together

Marinate the Chicken: Toss your cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prep the remaining ingredientsthis short marinating time allows the flavors to soak in beautifully.
Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Stir in butter, honey, and fresh parsley, allowing it to coat the chicken in a glossy, fragrant glaze.
Whip Up the Mac and Cheese: In the same skillet, melt butter with garlic until fragrant. Slowly add the heavy cream, then stir in grated mozzarella, cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cool water to halt the cooking process. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Bring It Together: Serve the glazed chicken nestled alongside the creamy mac and cheese. Alternatively, spoon some of the cheesy pasta onto your plate and top it generously with the honey garlic chicken for a truly satisfying meal.

Step	Time
Marinate Chicken	10 minutes
Cook Chicken	10–15 minutes
Make Mac & Cheese	15 minutes
Combine & Serve	5 minutes

Troubleshooting & Tips

Chicken too dry? Be careful not to overcook. Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s golden and no longer pink inside.
Cheese sauce separating? Keep your skillet on low heat while adding cheese, and stir continuously until smooth.
Looking for a lighter twist? Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly less rich mac and cheese.

Storage Tips

This dish stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storage Method	How To	Duration
Refrigerator (Chicken)	Store in an airtight container.	Up to 3 days
Refrigerator (Mac & Cheese)	Keep in a separate container to avoid mixing textures.	Up to 4 days
Freezer (Chicken)	Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container.	Up to 2 months

Serving Suggestions

This high-protein honey garlic butter chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or simple steamed broccoli for a complete and wholesome meal. Serve it fresh for immediate enjoyment, or reheat it gently for a super satisfying lunch or dinner later. Bonus: Its delightful flavors make it a hit with kids, perfect for family meals!

Expert Says

The high protein honey garlic butter chicken recipe balances savory and sweet flavors while providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. Cooking chicken in butter at moderate heat helps retain moisture and tenderness, ensuring a juicy texture without compromising the dish’s nutrition.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Mastering My High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

Perfecting this high-protein honey garlic butter chicken involved a few kitchen mishaps and plenty of tasting. Initially, the sauce was either too sweet or the chicken too dry, but with each attempt, I refined the balance of flavors and mastered how to keep the chicken wonderfully tender. The recipe I’m sharing today is the delicious result of those patient, flavorful lessons.

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.

HIGH PROTEIN HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered_pin

Conclusion

In just 45 minutes in your kitchen, you’ll create high-protein honey garlic butter chicken that’s tender, glossy, and bursting with warm, familiar flavors. You’ll adore how the honey and garlic perfectly meld, making every bite a cozy, wholesome win.

A quick tip: Stir fresh parsley right before serving for a bright finish. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridgejust reheat gently to keep the sauce silky, a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s well-loved cookbook.

Did this recipe evoke memories of a family favorite or old kitchen traditions for you? I’d absolutely love to hear your stories and see your photos! Be sure to save this recipe for busy weeknights or special homemade dinnersbecause comfort and health can absolutely live happily together at your table.