High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
This delicious High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese combines hearty macaroni with tender chicken in a delightful honey BBQ sauce, offering comfort food with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Sauce
- ½ cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients
- In the same skillet, add the milk and honey BBQ sauce, stirring briefly to combine. Heat until warmed through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese. Pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the pasta and mix well until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Notes
For variations, consider using chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken for a vegetarian option, or adding sautéed spinach or roasted peppers for additional nutrition. Adjust the sweetness of the honey BBQ sauce to your taste.