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| High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese |
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: A Flavor-Packed Meal Prep
Looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and delicious? This High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe is just what you need! With a whopping 59g of protein per serving, it’s perfect for meal prepping and fueling your day. The sweet and smoky honey BBQ chicken combined with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
For the Honey BBQ Chicken:
700g boneless & skinless chicken breast (raw weight)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp olive oil
25g honey
85g sugar-free BBQ sauce (Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce or reduced sugar BBQ sauce)
For the Mac & Cheese:
320g macaroni (dry weight - San Remo Elbow Pasta)
340ml fat-free evaporated milk (Carnation Light & Creamy, or substitute with low-fat/fat-free milk)
80g light cream cheese (Philadelphia)
1.5 tsp chicken stock powder (Vegeta)
100g grated light cheddar cheese (Dairyworks Natural Cheddar Cheese)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breast with salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce:
In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add honey and sugar-free BBQ sauce. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and is well combined. Dice the cooked chicken and toss it in the honey BBQ sauce until fully coated.
3. Cook the Macaroni:
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Mac & Cheese Sauce:
In a large pan, combine fat-free evaporated milk, light cream cheese, and chicken stock powder. Heat over medium until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and cook until the sauce is creamy and thickened.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined. Stir in the honey BBQ chicken, making sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Scoop the honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy in every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔ Protein-Packed: Each serving contains 59g of protein, making it an excellent post-workout meal or satisfying lunch.
✔ Flavorful: The combination of honey BBQ chicken and creamy mac and cheese is irresistible!
✔ Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for making ahead, ensuring you have a nutritious, high-protein meal ready to go all week.
Try this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food—your taste buds (and muscles) will thank you!