Dive into Comfort Food Bliss
Ever craved that warm, cheesy embrace of mac and cheese, but wanted something with a little more flair? Meet your new favorite dish: High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese! This trendy recipe combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the smoky, sweet allure of BBQ chicken. Imagine silky cheese sauce wrapping around hearty pasta, complemented by tender shredded chicken drizzled with sweet honey — it’s a meal that’s sure to become a staple.
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s quick, easy, and oh-so satisfying? This dish has got your back on busy weeknights.
- Easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your dinner.
- Family-friendly fun: Kids and adults alike will devour it, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser.
- High-protein goodness: Packed with shredded chicken and delicious cheese, you’ll feel full and energized!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
Directions
Here’s how to whip up this delightful dish:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine evaporated milk, cheddar, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Chicken: Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and honey. Fold into the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the pan and mix everything together until fully coated.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm or portion into containers for meal prep.
How to Make High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese (Overview)
Making this dish is a breeze! Start with boiling your pasta until it hits that perfect al dente texture. While that’s cooking, you’ll melt together some decadently creamy cheeses alongside the evaporated milk — your kitchen will smell heavenly! Once everything is ready, combine it all together, and voila, you’ve got a scrumptious meal that practically prepares itself.
Pro tip: Don’t rush the cheese melting process; it’s the key to that velvety consistency we all crave. 😉
How to Serve High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Garnishing is where the magic happens! Serve your High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese in a vibrant bowl with a sprinkle of green onions for that pop of color. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken combined with the richness of the cheese creates an irresistible aroma, making it hard to resist digging in right away. Pair it with some crisp, fresh salad or maybe a tangy coleslaw to balance all that creamy goodness.
How to Store High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Storing this dish is easy-peasy! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and even longer in the freezer, lasting about 3 months. Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, portion it into single servings for quick reheating later. Just pop it into the microwave, and you’ve got a hot meal ready in minutes!
Tips to Make High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Let’s make this even better with a few insider tricks:
- If you want it extra cheesy, add more cheddar — nobody ever complained about more cheese!
- Swap the macaroni for a high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil noodles for a nutritious twist.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a pinch of salt makes all the difference.
- If you like a little kick, toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the chicken for shredded jackfruit to create a vegan version. Or, mix in some sautéed bell peppers and corn for added flavor and texture!
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the cheddar and cream cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use almond milk instead of evaporated milk.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish, let it cool, then store it in the fridge for meal prep. Just reheat and serve!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 0.5 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or high-protein pasta)
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
- 0.75 cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish Garnish for added flavor and presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, combine evaporated milk, cheddar, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and honey. Fold into the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan and mix everything together until fully coated.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm or portion into containers for meal prep.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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