High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
A creamy mac and cheese with shredded chicken, honey, and BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded Use skinless for a healthier option
- 0.5 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce Adjust based on sweetness preference
- 2 tablespoons honey Use local honey for added flavor
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or high-protein pasta High-protein pasta increases the dish's protein content
- 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk Adds creaminess without extra fat
- 0.75 cup shredded light cheddar cheese Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese
- 2 oz light cream cheese For extra creaminess
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to personal preference
- optional chopped green onions for garnish Add color and flavor
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by cooking your elbow macaroni in a large pot according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the sugar-free BBQ sauce and honey. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In another bowl, whisk together the fat-free evaporated milk, shredded light cheddar cheese, and light cream cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the chicken mixture in the large pot, then pour in the cheese sauce.
- Stir gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Serving
- Transfer to a baking dish to finish in the oven if desired, or serve it directly from the pot. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
To keep the dish creamy, cover it if reheating on the stove. Leftovers are great for meal prepping and can be stored in an airtight container.