If you’re ready for a dinner that delivers on comfort, flavor, and serious nutritional punch, then you’ve just stumbled upon your new favorite: High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese. This dish packs in juicy chicken, tangy honey BBQ sauce, and mountains of melty cheddar, all layered over fluffy macaroni for the perfect weeknight treat. With a high protein boost and a nostalgic flavor profile, it’s one of those rare recipes that always hits the spot whether you’re feeding a family or just indulging yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is in how each ingredient pulls its weight—you don’t need anything too fancy, but every element brings something to the table, from juicy chicken to zesty sauce and creamy cheese. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few pro tips to make each one shine):
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): For maximum protein, opt for lean chicken breast and dice it after cooking for juicy bites throughout every spoonful.
- Honey BBQ sauce (1 cup): The sweet and tangy sauce infuses the dish with irresistible flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): Classic mac and cheese noodles with the perfect size and texture for holding all that cheesy goodness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Go for sharp to punch up the flavor—the cheese melts into a gorgeously gooey blanket.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Essential for that ultra-creamy mac and cheese consistency; swap for low-fat if you like, but whole milk gives the richness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds a buttery base for your chicken and prevents sticking; using unsalted lets you better control the final seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A pinch is all you need, but don’t skip these—they make all the flavors pop!
- Optional toppings: green onion: Adds a fresh, colorful finishing touch and a bit of sharpness to cut through the richness.
How to Make High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Fill a large pot with salted water, bring it to a rolling boil, and add your elbow macaroni. Cook until it’s just al dente (usually a minute or two less than the package says) so it holds up in the oven. Drain well and set aside—you want the pasta to be just right, not mushy, for the classic creamy texture of High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the inside is no longer pink and the outside is gorgeously golden-brown. Once done, let it rest for a minute, then shred using two forks. This method locks in moisture and that deep flavor you want.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Honey BBQ Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey BBQ sauce with a splash of milk for extra creaminess. Add the shredded chicken and toss everything together until every piece is luxuriously coated. This step is where the bold signature of High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese comes to life!
Step 4: Combine the Mac & Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, stir together the cooked macaroni, honey BBQ chicken, and shredded cheddar. Mix until everything is happily married and evenly distributed. The heat from the pasta and chicken will begin melting the cheese, turning the whole bowl into a glorious, cheesy tangle.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your favorite baking dish, then spread the cheesy mac and chicken mixture evenly inside. Scatter extra cheddar on top if you love a gooey, golden crust. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until it’s bubbling and beautifully golden on top.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Just before serving, shower the top with sliced green onion or any other optional garnishes. This finishing touch adds a pop of freshness and makes the High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese look every bit as enticing as it tastes.
How to Serve High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions works wonders—offering a bite of sharpness and a flash of color. If you want to get creative, try a dusting of smoked paprika, fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of extra honey BBQ sauce right before serving.
Side Dishes
Bake up a tray of roasted broccoli or toss together a zippy coleslaw for a crunchy, refreshing counterpoint to all the creamy and cheesy goodness. Warm garlic bread or a crisp side salad also work perfectly for rounding out your comfort food feast featuring High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the mac and cheese into individual ramekins for personalized servings, or pile it on top of baked sweet potatoes for a Southern-inspired twist. For parties, serve High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese in small cups or mini skillets for a playful touch that’s guaranteed to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then portion leftovers into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese stays fresh for up to three days and is just as satisfying the next day for lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for longer, freeze individual portions in tightly sealed containers or wrap the whole (unbaked) casserole dish in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. While the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly, the flavors of High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese are still absolutely irresistible.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until heated through—about 15 to 20 minutes. A splash of milk stirred in can revive any lost creaminess. The microwave works too for smaller portions; just heat in short bursts and stir often for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just toss it in the honey BBQ sauce as directed and continue with the recipe—High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is still loaded with flavor and protein.
What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?
You can mix your favorite BBQ sauce with a bit of honey for a similar sweet-and-tangy taste. Start with 1 cup BBQ sauce plus 2-3 tablespoons honey and adjust to your liking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just swap regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your labels to be sure.
How can I add even more protein?
Try stirring in a can of drained white beans, or use chickpea or lentil-based pasta for an extra protein punch without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids love the comforting, cheesy flavors paired with that sweet BBQ kick! If your little ones are spice-sensitive, just make sure to use a mild honey BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving serious comfort food with a protein boost, High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese absolutely checks every box. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that truly brings people together. You’ll be going back for seconds—I guarantee it!
Print
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Tender chicken in a sweet BBQ sauce, mixed with cheesy macaroni, baked to perfection. A satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
Macaroni:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Green onion
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Shred the cooked chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: Mix honey BBQ sauce with a splash of milk in a bowl. Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chicken mixture, and sharp cheddar cheese; stir until evenly mixed.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with optional toppings before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
