High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe (Print Version)
High protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese. Creamy, smoky, and sweet, this satisfying meal packs flavor and muscle-building macros. A family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Golden Macaroni & Creamy Cheese
01 -
1 lb high-protein elbow macaroni
02 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
3 cups whole milk
05 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 -
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
08 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
→ Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Core
09 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
10 -
1 cup honey BBQ sauce
11 -
1/4 cup honey
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 tsp garlic powder
→ Aromatic Depth & Finishing Flourish
14 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
15 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
17 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat dry 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Finely dice 1/2 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves garlic, preparing them for the next step.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the seasoned 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken, then sauté the diced 1/2 medium yellow onion and minced 2 cloves garlic until softened.
03 -
Shred the cooked 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts using two forks. Return chicken to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir in 1 cup honey BBQ sauce and 1/4 cup honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to coat thoroughly. This is your flavorful chicken for the High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese.
04 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb high-protein elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
05 -
In the same pot, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat.
06 -
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, and 4 oz softened and cubed cream cheese until smooth and completely melted. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. This creamy base is key for your High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese.
07 -
Add the cooked 1 lb high-protein elbow macaroni and the sauced 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Garnish your High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, and serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for an extra protein boost if high-protein elbow macaroni isn't available.
02 -
This High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
03 -
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
04 -
Experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda or gruyere for a different flavor profile in your mac & cheese.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Cutting board
07 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 904 kcal
Total Fat: 37 g
Total Carbohydrate: 89 g
Protein: 53 g