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High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese You'll Crave

This High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with flavor that you'll crave.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast Provides the main protein source; can substitute with shredded turkey.
  • 0.5 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce Ensure it's gluten-free if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Sweetens the sauce.
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Can replace with gluten-free pasta.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk Substitute with whole milk for richness.
  • 0.75 cup shredded light cheddar cheese Keeps calories lower.
  • 2 oz light cream cheese Regular cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
  • salt To taste.
  • pepper To taste.
For Garnishing
  • chopped green onions Optional, for freshness and color.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large saucepan
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine 12 oz of fat-free evaporated milk, ¾ cup of shredded light cheddar cheese, and 2 oz of light cream cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, toss 1½ lbs of shredded chicken with ½ cup of sugar-free BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of honey until well coated. Fold this mixture into your creamy cheese sauce and warm for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni into the pan with the chicken and cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, top with chopped green onions before serving. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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