The aroma of High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, promising comfort with every bite. Picture golden, creamy cheese enveloping tender chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce—it’s a dish that dances on your taste buds and sings to your soul. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal.
I remember the first time I whipped up this recipe for a family gathering; it was a culinary showdown that turned into a delicious love fest. Everyone gathered around, forks at the ready, eyes gleaming with anticipation as they dove into that cheesy bliss.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is not just easy to make; it’s a flavor explosion that satisfies cravings. The gorgeous blend of colors and textures makes it visually appealing for any gathering. Serve it at barbecues or cozy family dinners—it’s versatile enough for any occasion. [/info_box]
My cousin couldn’t stop raving about it, claiming it was “love at first bite.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for optimal tenderness; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Honey BBQ Sauce: A good-quality sauce adds sweetness and tang; choose one you know and love.
Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni works perfectly; cook until al dente for the best texture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the flavor profile; it melts beautifully. Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt.
Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic punch; avoid powder if possible for better results.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the overall taste; season to your preference.
Butter: Unsalted butter enriches the sauce without overpowering flavors; use generously for creaminess.
For the Sauce:
Whole Milk: Creamy whole milk creates a rich, velvety sauce that envelopes everything deliciously. Creamy Queso Rice.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce smoothly; whisk well to avoid lumps.
Paprika: Add smoked paprika for depth—just a sprinkle can transform your dish into something magical.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the oven.
Cook chicken for 25-30 minutes or until juices run clear. Let them rest before shredding into bite-sized pieces. The aroma should be divine by now!
In a large pot, boil water and cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Trust me, no one likes mushy pasta here.
In another pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. The scent will be irresistible!
Sprinkle flour into the pot while whisking constantly until smooth. Gradually add in whole milk while continuing to whisk—this is where magic happens!
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy. Feel free to taste-test because who can resist cheesy goodness?
Fold in cooked macaroni and shredded chicken, then drizzle honey BBQ sauce over everything while mixing gently. It should look absolutely heavenly!
Transfer this glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that cheesy crust forming.
Serve hot, garnished with extra barbecue sauce or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every bite as you bask in its cheesy glory.
Now that you’ve conquered this recipe, get ready to impress friends and family alike with your culinary prowess!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is both comfort food and a protein powerhouse. The creamy texture combined with sweet, smoky notes creates a mouthwatering dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish that pleases everyone around the table. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken in honey BBQ sauce while boiling the pasta. Sear the chicken to lock in flavor before combining everything. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or add veggies like spinach and bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave until hot, stirring occasionally for even warming.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve that perfect creamy consistency, add cheese gradually while stirring continuously. Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option without sacrificing flavor. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste. Their compliments were worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta for High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese?
Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and pairs well with the rich flavors.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella blend beautifully, but feel free to mix in your favorites!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most stores.
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy macaroni, tender chicken, and a sweet-and-savory honey BBQ sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a hearty meal that satisfies all ages. With its rich flavors and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; bake for 25-30 minutes until juices run clear. Let rest before shredding.
- Cook macaroni in boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, stirring continuously.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted; fold in macaroni and shredded chicken. Drizzle with honey BBQ sauce and mix gently.
- Transfer to the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in honey BBQ sauce before baking. Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or add vegetables for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently in the microwave.
