High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese (Easy & Cheesy Meal Prep Favorite)
Samantha
A better-for-you twist on a comfort food classic, this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese combines tender chicken, smoky honey BBQ sauce, and a creamy high-protein cheese sauce made with Greek yogurt. With 36g of protein per serving, it’s the perfect meal prep dinner or post-workout indulgence that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American Comfort
Servings 6 servings
Calories 490 kcal
For the Mac and Cheese Base:
- 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp is best
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thigh meat
- ½ cup honey BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
Toppings (Optional):
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Step 1: Cook the PastaBoil macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Step 2: Make the SauceIn a large saucepan, heat olive oil. Whisk in milk and Greek yogurt. Stir in cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Step 3: Mix in ChickenToss shredded chicken with honey BBQ sauce. Fold into cheese sauce. Step 4: Combine & BakeAdd pasta to the sauce, stir to coat. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and smoked paprika. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. Step 5: Garnish & ServeTop with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm!
Secret Tips for the Best Ever High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
1. Broil for a Crispy Top: Once your mac and cheese is baked, turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes to get golden, slightly crispy cheese edges—just like a restaurant-style casserole.
2. Marinate the Chicken in Advance: If you’ve got time, let your chicken soak in the honey BBQ marinade overnight. It enhances the flavor and makes each bite more tender and smoky-sweet.
3. Blend the Yogurt and Cheese Sauce: To avoid any gritty texture from Greek yogurt, whisk it thoroughly into the warm (not boiling) cheese sauce. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth without curdling.
4. Use Pasta Water Magic: Before draining your pasta, reserve ½ cup of the starchy water. Add a splash while combining the cheese sauce to make it silkier and more cohesive.
5. Mix Cheese Varieties: Don’t stop at cheddar. Blend in mozzarella for stretch, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or a little smoked gouda for next-level BBQ flavor depth.
6. Portion Before Baking for Meal Prep: If you’re using this as a meal prep recipe, portion the mac and cheese into containers before baking. Then top each one with chicken and cheese and bake together—saves time and keeps the pasta from overcooking during the week.
7. Add BBQ Sauce in Layers: Drizzle a bit of honey BBQ sauce into the cheese mixture and on top of the chicken before baking. This double-layer technique enhances flavor in every bite.
8. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Top with chopped parsley or green onion right before serving. It adds brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce.Keyword baked_bbq_chicken_macaroni_and_cheese, clean_eating_bbq_chicken_casserole, creamy_high_protein_chicken_mac, easy_honey_bbq_chicken_recipe, healthy_mac_and_cheese_with_chicken, high_protein_bbq_chicken_mac_and_cheese, high_protein_comfort_food_dinner, macro_friendly_bbq_chicken_pasta, meal_prep_bbq_mac_and_cheese, post_workout_high_protein_meals
