Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together the warmth of classic comfort food and the nutritional punch of a balanced, protein-rich meal. The tender shredded chicken, smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce, and creamy cheese blend create a dish that tastes indulgent while still supporting your nutrition goals. This recipe is especially convenient because you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even meal-prepped chicken breasts. I once made the cheese sauce using almond milk instead of whole milk, and the result remained velvety and flavorful without compromising creaminess. Perfect for active families, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a hearty dish that keeps you full longer, this upgraded mac and cheese is both satisfying and nourishing. It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal-prep option as well.
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High protein honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy, comforting mac and cheese boosted with tender honey BBQ chicken for a high-protein, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for extra protein)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, combine chicken and honey BBQ sauce; heat on low until warmed through.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened, 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt.
- Add cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce; mix until fully combined.
- Serve warm, optionally topping with extra BBQ drizzle or green onions.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a baked version, top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Shredded Chicken
Adds lean, satisfying protein and absorbs the honey BBQ sauce beautifully.
Elbow Macaroni or High-Protein Pasta
Forms the hearty base of the dish; high-protein pasta boosts the nutritional profile even further.
Honey BBQ Sauce
Brings sweet, smoky flavor that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Melts into a smooth, bold cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
Mozzarella or Monterey Jack
Adds stretchiness and creaminess without overpowering the main flavors.
Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese
Increases the protein content while adding creaminess and slight tang.
Butter
Forms the roux for the cheese sauce, creating a smooth, thick consistency.
Flour
Helps thicken the cheese sauce so it coats the pasta evenly.
Milk or Almond Milk
Builds the cheese sauce base; almond milk works well for a lighter version.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
Enhance the savory elements and add depth.
Salt and Black Pepper
Bring the flavors into balance.
Directions
Begin by cooking the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to soften once combined with the cheese sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter and whisk until a smooth paste forms. Allow it to cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk or almond milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted. Add the Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to increase creaminess and protein content. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded chicken with honey BBQ sauce until fully coated. Combine the cooked pasta, BBQ chicken, and cheese sauce in a large pot, stirring gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Allow the mixture to warm together over low heat for several minutes so the flavors meld. Serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and broil briefly for a golden finish.
Equipment needed :
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
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking and assembling. Total time is roughly 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. The dish can be frozen, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Honey BBQ Version
Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness with a little heat.
Buffalo Chicken Mac Twist
Swap honey BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add crumbled blue cheese.
High-Veggie Meal Prep
Mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted peppers for added nutrients.
Smoked Cheese Upgrade
Use smoked Gouda or smoked cheddar to deepen the flavor profile.
Low-Carb Option
Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version.
Crispy Topping Finish
Add breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top, then broil until golden.
BBQ Ranch Melt
Stir a small amount of ranch seasoning into the cheese sauce for a tangy twist.
Extra-Protein Boost
Add a scoop of unflavored whey protein to the cheese sauce; whisk thoroughly to avoid clumps.
Turkey or Pork Substitute
Use shredded turkey or pulled pork for a different take on the classic.
Sweet Heat BBQ Variation
Combine honey BBQ with a bit of hot honey for a sweet-spicy balance.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s an excellent shortcut and blends well with the BBQ sauce.
Is high-protein pasta necessary?
No, but it increases protein content and works beautifully in this dish.
Can I make this without flour?
Yes, cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce instead.
Does almond milk work in the cheese sauce?
Yes, I’ve made it that way before and the sauce remained smooth.
Should the chicken be warm before mixing?
It helps, but the cheese sauce will warm everything through.
Can I bake this instead of serving it stovetop?
Yes, bake with extra cheese on top for a bubbly finish.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt smoothly and complement BBQ flavors.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, blend it briefly for a smoother texture.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk and heat slowly.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It freezes well, though the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.
Conclusion
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful, nourishing twist on a beloved classic. Packed with lean protein, creamy cheese, and smoky-sweet BBQ notes, it offers a comforting yet energizing meal suitable for busy evenings or meal prepping. With its flexible variations and simple preparation, this dish easily becomes a household favorite. Whether you’re seeking a hearty post-workout option or a family-friendly dinner, this elevated mac and cheese delivers every time.
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