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Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Savor Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for Cozy Nights

This High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese delivers comforting nostalgia with a nutritious twist, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Fat-Free Cottage Cheese Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 4 oz Light Cream Cheese Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used.
  • 1 cup Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese Any melting cheese can be substituted.
  • 1 cup Semi-Skimmed Milk (2%) Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can enhance the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use Kosher salt for better taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard Dijon mustard can be a good alternative.
For the Chicken and Pasta
  • 1 lb Diced Chicken Breasts Turkey or plant-based protein can be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Maple syrup works as a vegan substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can enhance the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion can be sautéed for stronger flavor.
  • 1 cup Reduced BBQ Sauce Low-sodium varieties are recommended.
  • 8 oz Pasta (Elbow Macaroni) Other pasta types can be used.
For Seasoning and Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper White pepper can be a milder alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley Chives can be used as an alternative.

Equipment

  • blender
  • Saucepan
  • pot
  • non-stick pan
  • Air fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by seasoning the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or sauté it in a non-stick pan for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Toss the chicken in honey and BBQ sauce to coat it evenly.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a blender, combine the fat-free cottage cheese, light cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, semi-skimmed milk, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard. Blend until smooth and creamy, then heat in a saucepan over medium-low for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
  4. Once the cheese sauce is creamy, stir in the cooked pasta until all noodles are coated, then gently fold in the honey BBQ chicken. Let sit for about 10 minutes for flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Adjust seasoning and experiment with ingredients to cater to dietary needs. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk.

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