High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Enjoy a delicious and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese with our High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Tender chicken breast is seasoned, cooked in a flavorful honey BBQ sauce, and combined with creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 24 ounce boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 9 ounce elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 4 ounce cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine diced chicken breast with minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken mixture. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Honey: Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat and add BBQ sauce and honey to the pan. Toss the chicken well to coat it evenly in the sweet and tangy sauce, then set aside.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pan on low heat, combine milk, hot sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously to melt the cheeses and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece of pasta is well coated.
- Mix in the Honey BBQ Chicken: Add the honey BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined, distributing the flavors consistently.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish as a bright, fresh garnish before serving for added color and flavor.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables to make a balanced meal.
- You can freeze leftovers by allowing the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken, Mac and Cheese, High Protein, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
