High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
A comforting and protein-packed twist on classic mac and cheese with honey BBQ chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or high-protein pasta)
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
- ¾ cup shredded light cheddar cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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 according to the package instructions until al dente, about 6-8 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and honey until coated.
- Combine creamy goodness: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Bring it all together: Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and fold in the BBQ chicken.
- Serve it up: Transfer to a dish and optionally garnish with green onions or crispy bacon.
Notes
For added flavor, consider seasoning with garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: high-protein, mac and cheese, comfort food, chicken, BBQ