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High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/high-protein-honey-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/