High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
This High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on classic mac & cheese, packed with an impressive 59 grams of protein per serving. Featuring lean shredded chicken tossed in sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey, combined with lighter cheeses and high-protein pasta, this dish is perfect for muscle-fueling meals, comforting dinners, or nutritious meal prep without compromising on taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or high-protein pasta)
Sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
- ¾ cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the fat-free evaporated milk, shredded light cheddar cheese, and light cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey until evenly coated. Fold this mixture into the cheese sauce in the saucepan, stirring gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the sauce and chicken mixture. Stir well until every piece of pasta is fully coated with the rich, cheesy BBQ chicken sauce.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm or divide into containers for convenient meal prep.
Notes
- Use high-protein pasta to maximize the protein content if desired.
- Chicken can be grilled, baked, or poached before shredding.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats nicely.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheeses and evaporated milk with plant-based alternatives, though this will change nutrition.
