Description
A creamy, cheesy, high-protein mac and cheese loaded with juicy honey BBQ chicken—sweet, smoky, comforting, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Honey BBQ Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (or high-protein milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil high-protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the honey BBQ chicken: Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Toss with honey BBQ sauce and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Fold cooked pasta and honey BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce.
- Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top and garnish with green onions if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken tossed in honey BBQ sauce for a shortcut.
- Add cottage cheese to the sauce for even more protein.
- Bake with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Chickpea or lentil pasta boosts protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American