Hearty High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese 🍯🍗🧀
1. Introduction
Welcome to a savory twist on classic comfort food! This high-protein chicken mac and cheese recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce and a sweet honey BBQ glaze. Perfect for those craving a protein-packed meal, this dish is both indulgent and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chicken pasta recipe is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, hearty masterpiece.
2. Ingredients for Hearty High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
- 2 cups cooked **chicken breast**, shredded
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey BBQ)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make Protein-Packed Chicken Mac & Cheese
Preparing the Chicken and Pasta
Cook the chicken breast until fully cooked and shredded. You can use leftover roasted chicken or cook fresh chicken by boiling or baking. Simultaneously, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Making the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside. This flavorful sauce will add sweetness and smoky undertones to your creamy comfort food.
Sautéing and Combining
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Pour in the honey BBQ mixture and stir until the chicken is coated evenly.
Preparing the Cheese Sauce
Reduce heat to low and add milk or cream to the skillet. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mixing Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Then, incorporate the honey BBQ chicken mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful and protein-packed.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Hearty High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. This ensures your chicken pasta remains creamy and flavorful.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Creamy Comfort Food
Garnish with chopped parsley or additional shredded cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve with a side of fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion salad or crispy garlic bread to elevate your meal. For a complete protein experience, consider pairing with a light soup or steamed vegetables.
6. FAQs about Making the Best High-Protein Chicken Mac & Cheese
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheddar and Parmesan for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute dairy-based milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese. The richness will vary, but it remains delicious.
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this hearty dish takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Great for quickly cooking or reheating chicken and other ingredients, making your meal prep more efficient.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures your pans are durable and easy to clean, perfect for sautéing ingredients.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer – Excellent for grilling chicken breasts or reheating leftovers while maintaining moisture.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer – Ideal for quickly mixing cheese sauce or preparing pasta dough if you want homemade pasta.
8. Conclusion
This high-protein chicken mac and cheese recipe is a delightful fusion of hearty, cheesy comfort food with a touch of sweetness from honey BBQ glaze. Perfectly balanced, protein-rich, and totally customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a weekly favorite. Unleash your culinary creativity and enjoy a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious! Happy cooking!
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Hearty High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese blended with savory honey BBQ chicken pieces, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, stirring to coat.
- Reduce heat to low, then add cooked pasta, milk, and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or a vegetarian protein alternative.
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg