High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

If you’re on a quest to find the perfect balance between comfort food and your protein goals, look no further. This high-protein honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese boasts an impressive over 40 grams of protein in each serving. This creamy, cheesy delight envelops you in the familiar flavors of classic mac and cheese, spiced up with a sweet and tangy BBQ twist. It’s so good that it’ll have everyone coming back for more helpings.

I used to think that indulging in mac and cheese was off the table when counting macros. However, I quickly discovered that I could create a protein-rich version of this comfort dish without losing that rich and creamy texture we all crave. Using high-protein pasta and Greek yogurt in the cheese sauce significantly boosts the protein content while honey BBQ chicken lends a delightful sweet-savory flavor that transforms the dish into a feast, not just another healthy meal.

Even my teenage child, who often approaches “healthy” meals with skepticism, happily devoured an entire serving during our first taste test without realizing it met my macro requirements perfectly. Plus, it takes just about 45 minutes to prepare and tastes even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these ingredients:

• Pasta: 8 ounces of high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta)
• Chicken: 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
• Honey BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup, divided
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for cooking
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Butter: 1 tablespoon
• Flour: 1 tablespoon for the roux
• Almond Milk: 1 cup (or any milk of your choice)
• Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup for creaminess
• Cheeses: 1 cup each of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan
• Breadcrumbs: Optional, for topping
• Parsley: Fresh, for garnishing

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking the high-protein pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is just shy of al dente. Be cautious as chickpea pasta can overcook quickly, so test it at the 6-minute mark. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside in a large bowl.

Season the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your diced chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to brown nicely. After flipping the chicken, cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, add a quarter cup of honey BBQ sauce. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are nicely coated. Removing the chicken from heat at this point allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Now it’s time to concentrate on the cheese sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about a minute while stirring continuously to create a smooth roux free of lumps.

Gradually whisk in the almond milk, pouring slowly to avoid lumps forming. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbles forming at the edges for visual confirmation.

Add in the Creaminess

Remove the skillet from the heat, then immediately stir in the Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth. After that, add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything is perfectly melted together. The residual heat from the sauce will ensure a creamy consistency, avoiding any grainy texture. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more almond milk, or let it sit for a minute longer to thicken if it seems thin.

Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce, gently stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. For an extra burst of flavor, fold in the remaining quarter cup of BBQ sauce before transferring the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Optional Topping

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider topping your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs for an added crunch. Simply mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this over the dish before baking. If you prefer a creamier dish, you can skip this step. Bake everything together for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Dish

This rich and creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sides that balance out the hearty nature of the dish. Here are a few suggestions:

Steamed Green Beans

The crisp-tender texture and mild flavor of green beans cut through the richness of the cheese sauce. Not only do they add fiber and vitamins, but they also align beautifully with the BBQ flavor profile.

Simple Garden Salad

A fresh mixed green salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. This allows for additional vegetables while keeping the calorie count low.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli, lightly drizzled with olive oil and garlic, adds a delightful nutty, charred flavor which enhances the sweet BBQ notes. For a quick option, consider making my high-protein air fryer broccoli.

Tangy Coleslaw

A vinegar-based coleslaw mirrors the BBQ theme while adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy pasta. The acidity of the coleslaw also helps to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Elegant Grilled Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus spears add an elegant spin and earthy flavor that surprisingly pairs well with the sweet and savory nature of honey BBQ chicken. If you’re looking for another veggie option, try my garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach for a delightful side dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days. In fact, the flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making this dish an excellent choice for meal prepping. When reheating individual portions in the microwave, consider adding a splash of almond milk to restore the creamy texture. If you’re reheating the entire dish, cover it in an oven preheated to 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

For longer storage, portion the dish into individual servings in freezer-safe containers, where it will keep for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave with a splash of almond milk or in an oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, covered.

Customize Your Dish

This versatile recipe shines just as brightly on busy weeknights as it does at potlucks or during meal prep sessions. A pro tip for those needing extra protein – feel free to add an additional half-pound of chicken to the recipe without changing any of the other ingredients.

For more protein-packed comfort food ideas, consider trying my Philly cheesesteak mac and cheese or high-protein chicken Alfredo bake.

This high-protein honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese isn’t just a meal; it’s a delicious way to indulge in comfort while staying aligned with your nutritional goals. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!