High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Upgrade Packed with Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s protein-packed, creamy, family-friendly, sweet-savory, customizable, ideal for leftovers, and surprisingly simple to make. The honey BBQ adds irresistible depth to the classic mac and cheese base.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast or thighs
Provides lean, tender protein that absorbs the honey BBQ seasoning perfectly.

Pasta (elbows, shells, or cavatappi)
Forms the comforting mac and cheese base with ideal sauce-clinging texture.

Honey BBQ sauce
Adds smoky sweetness that transforms traditional mac and cheese into a more flavorful dish.

Greek yogurt or cottage cheese (optional)
Boosts protein while adding creaminess to the sauce.

Cheddar cheese
Brings classic sharp, melty flavor to the dish.

Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Adds stretchiness and creamy melt for a luxurious sauce.

Butter
Forms the base of the roux and deepens richness.

All-purpose flour
Helps create a thick, velvety cheese sauce.

Milk or protein-enriched milk
Adds creaminess while increasing protein if using enhanced milk.

Paprika and garlic powder
Season the chicken and enhance the BBQ flavor profile.

Salt and black pepper
Balance sweetness and highlight savory notes.

Fresh parsley or green onions
Add color and freshness at the end.

Directions

Start by seasoning the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in a skillet with a little oil until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and toss with honey BBQ sauce. Chop or shred into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Meanwhile, boil your pasta until al dente, then drain. In the same pot or a clean saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Fold in Greek yogurt if using for added protein.

Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Add the honey BBQ chicken and mix gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or green onions.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. This dish also reheats well in the microwave in short intervals. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce texture may change.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Honey BBQ Mac
Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper to balance the sweetness.

High-Protein Alfredo Mix
Stir in cottage cheese blended until smooth for an extra protein boost.

Buffalo Chicken Version
Swap honey BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for tangy heat.

BBQ Bacon Mac
Add crispy bacon pieces for smoky depth and crunch.

Veggie Boost
Mix in broccoli, corn, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Smoked Cheddar Upgrade
Use smoked cheddar for a deeper barbecue flavor profile.

One-Pan Baked Mac
Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Pulled Chicken Swap
Use leftover shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce.

Gluten-Free Twist
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with gluten-free blend.

Low-Carb Option
Use high-protein chickpea or lentil pasta.

FAQs

Is this dish very sweet?

The honey BBQ adds sweetness, but the cheese and spices balance it well.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shred it and toss with honey BBQ sauce before adding.

Can I use low-fat cheese?

It works, but full-fat melts better and gives a creamier texture.

Does Greek yogurt curdle in the sauce?

Not if added off-heat and stirred gently.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but add extra milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

What pasta shape holds the sauce best?

Cavatappi, elbows, and shells work particularly well.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely—it adds smoky flavor that complements the BBQ.

Is this truly high-protein?

Yes, thanks to chicken, cheese, and optional protein-boosting additions.

Can I make it spicy?

Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or spicy BBQ sauce.

Should I bake it after assembling?

Optional—baking adds a bubbly, golden topping.

Conclusion

High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a bold, comforting, and satisfying twist on classic mac and cheese. With its creamy sauce, smoky-sweet chicken, and protein-rich additions, it’s ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or gatherings that call for a crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe delivers hearty flavor with a fun, modern twist—sure to become a regular favorite in your home.

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