Why Make This Recipe
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of BBQ chicken with creamy mac and cheese, providing a meal that’s not only tasty but packed with protein. Perfect for a satisfying dinner or a hearty lunch, it delivers both flavor and nutrition.
How to Make High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 700g boneless & skinless chicken breast (raw weight)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 25g honey
- 85g sugar-free BBQ sauce (e.g. Hughes, or reduced sugar BBQ)
- 320g macaroni pasta (uncooked weight)
- 340ml fat-free evaporated milk (e.g. Carnation Light & Creamy)
- 80g light cream cheese (e.g. Philadelphia Lightest)
- 1.5 tsp chicken stock powder (e.g. Vegeta)
- 100g grated light cheddar cheese (e.g. Dairyworks Natural Cheddar Cheese)
Directions:
- Cook the chicken: Dice chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a pan and cook until golden and fully cooked through.
- Add flavor: Stir in honey and sugar-free BBQ sauce. Let it coat the chicken and caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot, combine evaporated milk, light cream cheese, and chicken stock powder. Stir until smooth. Add the grated light cheddar and melt into a creamy sauce.
- Assemble: Add cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir in the BBQ chicken and mix everything together until well coated.
- Serve: Portion into 4 servings (each ~587 calories, 59g protein). Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
This dish is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side salad for some added freshness. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
How to Store High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to one month. Just make sure to cool it completely before putting it in the freezer.
Tips to Make High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly. It should not be pink inside.
- Stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust the level of honey or BBQ sauce based on your taste preference.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before serving.
Variation
Consider adding vegetables like peas or broccoli to the mix for extra nutrition and color. You can also try different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein or grilled vegetables and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it before serving. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture when reheating.
