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High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delicious and hearty twist on a classic comfort food, packed with tender BBQ chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and smoky flavors. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings while boosting your protein intake for a fulfilling meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 150 g fat-free cottage cheese
  • 200 g light cream cheese
  • 150 g 30% reduced fat cheddar cheese
  • 150 ml semi-skimmed milk 2% milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp mustard

For the Chicken:

  • 400 g chicken breasts diced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 70 g reduced BBQ sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • Low-calorie cooking spray

For the Pasta:

  • 300 g pasta
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the BBQ Chicken:

  • Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  • Season the 400g diced chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Spray lightly with low-calorie cooking spray and place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until fully cooked and golden brown.
  • Pan Option: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and spray lightly with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and toss with honey and BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
  • Allow the chicken to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help with the cheese sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  • In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, light cream cheese, grated cheese, milk, garlic powder, parsley, black pepper, paprika, salt, and mustard. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the cheese sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and make it extra creamy.
  • Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Combine and Serve:

  • Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  • Let the mac and cheese sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  • Serve the cheesy pasta in bowls and top each portion with the Honey BBQ Chicken.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

Customizations:
Add Veggies: Toss in some broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for added fiber and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken for a spicy kick.
Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein if preferred.