High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese loaded with juicy chicken, cheddar cheese, honey BBQ sauce, and pasta for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
24 oz chicken breast, chopped
1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 cup milk
1/4 cup hot sauce
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
9 oz elbow macaroni (or similar pasta)
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through.
4. Add the Honey BBQ Sauce
Turn off the heat and stir in the honey and BBQ sauce until the chicken is fully coated.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, hot sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Fold in the honey BBQ chicken mixture.
7. Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for different flavor variations.
Add extra cheddar cheese for a richer mac and cheese.
Rotini or shells work great instead of elbow macaroni.
Adjust the hot sauce amount for your preferred spice level.
Perfect for meal prep and reheats well.
