High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic favorite. Packed with shredded chicken and a flavorful honey BBQ sauce, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or high-protein pasta)
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
- ¾ cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the fat-free evaporated milk, shredded light cheddar cheese, and light cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey until well coated.
- Step 4: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, use a high-protein pasta made from chickpeas or lentils instead of regular elbow macaroni.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and mix with the BBQ sauce and honey as directed.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This dish holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for easy meals throughout the week.
PrintHigh-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
A delicious and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring shredded chicken tossed in a honey BBQ sauce and mixed into a creamy cheese pasta. Perfect for a hearty meal or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or high-protein pasta)
Sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
- ¾ cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the fat-free evaporated milk, shredded light cheddar cheese, and light cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey until evenly coated. Fold this mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine well.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the chicken and cheese sauce. Stir until all the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Season the macaroni and cheese with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm immediately or portion into containers for meal prep.
Notes
- Use high-protein pasta to increase the protein content further.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding and combining.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
Keywords: BBQ chicken mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, BBQ chicken pasta, low fat mac and cheese, easy dinner recipes
