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Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

  • Author: easysweetmeal
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This creamy, satisfying mac and cheese is packed with protein and loaded with bold BBQ flavor. Juicy honey-glazed chicken meets a rich, cheesy sauce made lighter with cottage cheese and reduced-fat ingredients—perfect for a macro-friendly comfort meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 400g chicken breast, diced

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 70g reduced-sugar BBQ sauce

  • Low-calorie cooking spray

  • 150g fat-free cottage cheese

  • 200g light cream cheese

  • 150g 30% reduced-fat cheddar cheese

  • 150ml semi-skimmed milk (2%)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried parsley

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp mustard

  • 300g pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni or rotini)

  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Season diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and ground ginger.

  3. Spray with low-calorie cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket.

  4. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

  5. In a bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce. Toss the hot chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.

  3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

3. Make the Protein Cheese Sauce

  1. Add cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar, milk, garlic powder, parsley, pepper, paprika, salt, and mustard to a blender.

  2. Blend until completely smooth.

  3. Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until heated and creamy (about 3–5 minutes).

  4. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

4. Combine and Serve

  1. Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

  2. Gently fold in the honey BBQ chicken pieces.

  3. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

  4. Serve hot and enjoy a protein-rich twist on a classic!

Notes

  • This recipe provides around 35–40g of protein per serving, depending on pasta choice and cheese brand.

  • Customize spice levels to suit your preference—smoked paprika adds depth without heat

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://easysweetmeal.com/honey-bbq-chicken-mac-cheese/