High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining smoky BBQ chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. This hearty dish is packed with protein and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the evaporated milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey until well coated.
- Step 4: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan and stir gently until every piece is 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
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Try high-protein pasta such as chickpea or lentil pasta to boost protein content even more.
- For a spicy variation, replace BBQ sauce with hot sauce and swap cheddar for blue cheese crumbles.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase nutrient content and texture.
- Mix in cooked bacon pieces for a smoky, savory addition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
My sauce seems a little thin. How can I thicken it up?
Let the dish sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes; the pasta will absorb more sauce. If still too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the sauce while gently heating until it thickens.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
PrintHigh-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
This High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese combines smoky, sweet BBQ chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting yet healthy meal. With shredded chicken, sugar-free BBQ sauce, honey, and a velvety cheese sauce made from evaporated milk, cheddar, and cream cheese, it delivers a powerful protein punch that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep. This easy one-pot recipe is low in sugar, high in protein, and incredibly satisfying—a perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Protein
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
Sauce
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
- ¾ cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or high-protein pasta)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook it until just al dente, meaning it retains a slight bite. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling to each piece. Set aside.
- Create the Dreamy Sauce Base: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over low to medium-low heat, pour in the fat-free evaporated milk. Add the shredded light cheddar cheese and diced light cream cheese gradually, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. Expect the mixture to look curdled at first; continue stirring patiently until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey. Mix well to coat every piece evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese Sauce: Gently fold the sauced chicken into the creamy cheese sauce, stirring until well incorporated and the mixture presents an appetizing orange hue and rich aroma.
- Mix in the Pasta: Add the drained macaroni into the pan containing the chicken and cheese sauce. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly so that the pasta is completely coated with the luscious BBQ cheese sauce. Let it heat through on low heat for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and Garnish: Turn off the heat and season the dish to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm, topped with chopped green onions if desired, for a fresh and colorful finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut to save time.
- For a sugar-free variation, substitute honey with maple syrup or a brown sugar substitute.
- Experiment with high-protein pastas like chickpea, lentil, or edamame varieties for extra protein.
- If the sauce is thin after adding pasta, let it sit off heat for 5–10 minutes or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
- To make gluten-free, opt for certified gluten-free pasta and BBQ sauce.
- If fat-free evaporated milk is unavailable, 2% or whole evaporated milk or gently reduced whole milk can be used.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat with a splash of water or milk for best results.
- Low and slow heating prevents cheese from seizing and ensures a silky smooth sauce.
Keywords: high protein mac and cheese, BBQ chicken pasta, healthy comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, meal prep dinner, low sugar BBQ chicken, easy stovetop pasta
