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–+ servings
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for Cozy Nights

A high-protein, deliciously nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese featuring honey BBQ chicken, creamy cheeses, and customizable flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
  • 4 oz light cream cheese
  • 1 cup 30% reduced fat cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup semi-skimmed milk (2%)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt Kosher salt recommended
  • 1 tsp mustard Dijon mustard is a good alternative
  • 1 tsp onion powder
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb diced chicken breasts can substitute with turkey or grilled tofu
  • 1 tbsp honey maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1 tsp ground ginger fresh ginger for stronger flavor
  • 1/2 cup reduced BBQ sauce low-sodium recommended
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni) any pasta variety works
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper white pepper for milder taste
  • 1 tbsp low-calorie cooking spray or olive oil for healthier choice
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp parsley chives can be used as an alternative

Equipment

  • blender
  • Saucepan
  • pot
  • colander
  • Air fryer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Cook in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes or sauté in a pan for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Toss with honey and BBQ sauce.
  2. In a large pot, boil salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Blend together cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard until smooth. Heat in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring consistently until thickened, adjusting with reserved pasta water as necessary.
  4. Mix cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Fold in the honey BBQ chicken. Serve in bowls garnished with parsley and let rest for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Customize with preferred veggies or chicken alternatives.

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