High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

$- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/2 cup cottage cheese - 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish To make my High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, I gather all these ingredients first. The elbow macaroni forms the base of the dish. I always use cooked chicken breast. It adds protein and pairs well with the cheese. Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor. Next, I prepare the creamy base. Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess. I also add cottage cheese for a smooth texture. The low-sodium chicken broth helps blend everything together. I season with garlic and onion powder for taste. For the flavor boost, honey BBQ sauce brings a sweet and smoky flavor. I add salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. Finally, I sprinkle chopped green onions on top for garnish. This adds a nice crunch and color. Gathering these ingredients sets me up for a delicious meal. It’s easy to make and full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. - Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. - Drain the macaroni and set it aside for later. - In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. - Add Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy. - Mix shredded chicken and honey BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce. - Fold in the cooked macaroni until everything is evenly coated. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and add breadcrumbs on top. - Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. - Serve the mac and cheese in individual bowls. - Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. To cook perfect macaroni, you must aim for al dente pasta. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard when you bite it. Follow these tips: - Boil water in a large pot. - Add a good pinch of salt before putting in the macaroni. Salt adds flavor to the pasta. - Cook the macaroni based on the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 7-10 minutes. - Taste a piece to check if it is ready. If it is tender yet firm, drain it and set it aside. Getting a creamy texture is key for great mac and cheese. Here are some ways to adjust the sauce thickness: - If the sauce looks too thick after mixing, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. - You can also try using more Greek yogurt or cottage cheese if you want a richer texture. If you want alternatives to Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, consider using sour cream or cream cheese. These can also create a creamy base and add different flavors. Honey BBQ sauce gives this dish a sweet and tangy taste. To make it just right, you can adjust the sauce level. Here’s how: - Start with 1/2 cup of honey BBQ sauce and taste the mixture. If you want it sweeter, add more sauce. - You can also mix in a bit of hot sauce if you like some heat. Don't forget to think about other seasonings too. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can bring more depth to the flavor. Each little tweak can make your dish unique and tasty. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken, making it a quick and convenient option. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, add more Greek yogurt or chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Experiment with Cheese: Try using different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist in your mac and cheese. Perfect the Topping: For an extra crunch, consider mixing the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and your favorite herbs before sprinkling on top. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using turkey instead of chicken. Turkey gives a nice taste and is leaner. Lean beef is another option. It adds a rich flavor. For a vegetarian choice, use chickpeas. Chickpeas are high in protein and add great texture. Just mash them lightly before mixing in. You’ll still get the savory taste without meat. If you want a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese. There are many good brands that melt well. You can also swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture we love. For the creamy base, consider non-dairy milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk work wonders. Just use enough to make the sauce smooth. To make this dish even better, add veggies. Spinach or bell peppers are great choices. They add color and nutrients. Just chop them small and mix them in with the cheese. You can also play with BBQ sauce flavors. Try a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick. Or use a sweet sauce for a different taste. Mixing flavors keeps your meals exciting! To keep your High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. This way, it stays tasty and safe to eat. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it up. Leftovers can last for about three to four days in the fridge. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you have two great options: the microwave or the oven. The microwave is quick but can dry out the dish. To avoid this, add a splash of chicken broth before heating. Stir it well and heat in short intervals, checking often. The oven brings out the best flavor. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method helps keep the creaminess intact. Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese! To do this right, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. For best results, consume it within two to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly to keep that creamy texture. You can add more protein by using these ingredients: - Extra cooked chicken breast - Diced turkey or lean beef - Cooked chickpeas - Edamame or lentils - Additional cottage cheese or Greek yogurt Adding these will boost the protein and make your dish even heartier. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce. Mix in the chicken and BBQ sauce. Store everything in the fridge. When ready to eat, just bake or heat it up. This saves time for busy days. To add heat, try these tips: - Use spicy BBQ sauce instead of regular - Add crushed red pepper flakes - Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce - Top with spicy cheese, like pepper jack These will bring a nice kick to your mac and cheese. Absolutely! Use gluten-free elbow macaroni. Many brands offer great options. Check labels to find one that fits your taste. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for baking. You can switch up the cheese for fun flavors. Try: - Monterey Jack for a milder taste - Gouda for a smoky flavor - Mozzarella for a stretchy texture - Vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option Each cheese will change the dish's taste and texture in a tasty way. This blog post shared a simple and tasty mac and cheese recipe. We explored main ingredients, creamy base items, and flavor boosters to enhance the dish. I also provided step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and ideas for variations. You can customize it easily to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy creating your version, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!$

High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

A creamy and delicious mac and cheese packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, enhanced with honey BBQ sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Greek yogurt
0.5 cup honey BBQ sauce
0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
0.5 cup cottage cheese
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup chopped green onions for garnish
0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the shredded chicken and honey BBQ sauce to the cheese mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese and chicken mixture until fully combined. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash more chicken broth until the desired creaminess is achieved.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you desire a crispy topping, pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, or if skipping the baking step, spoon the mac and cheese into individual bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Optional to bake for a crispy topping.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, high-protein, mac and cheese