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Savory High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

high protein honey bbq chicken mac and cheese - featured image
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A hearty and comforting mac and cheese dish featuring smoky honey BBQ chicken, a creamy cheese sauce with cottage cheese for extra protein, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • ½ cup honey BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small-curd)
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%, or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or green onions, extra drizzle of honey BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (about 2 cups) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, toss 2 cups cooked chicken breast with ½ cup honey BBQ sauce in a bowl until evenly coated. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a bubbly paste (roux).
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
  5. Lower heat and stir in 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir gently until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the drained pasta and BBQ chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir carefully to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Optional: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with extra cheddar and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and an optional drizzle of honey BBQ sauce before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness during baking. Cook roux long enough to remove raw flour taste but do not brown it. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Stir cottage cheese into sauce off heat to prevent curdling. Baking is optional for a crispy top. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick. For a spicy kick, add cayenne or jalapeños. Substitute pasta with cauliflower for low-carb version. Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese for dairy-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, honey BBQ, high protein, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-high-protein-honey-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-for-easy-comfort-meals/