High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese (Print Version)
High protein honey BBQ chicken mac & cheese packed with tender chicken, smoky sauce, and creamy cheese. A satisfying muscle-building comfort meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Honey BBQ Glazed Chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
02 -
1/3 cup honey BBQ sauce
03 -
2 tbsp honey
04 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
05 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Velvety Protein Cheese Sauce
07 -
2 cups low-fat milk
08 -
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
09 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 -
2 tbsp cream cheese
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
12 -
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
→ Hearty Pasta Base
13 -
12 oz high-protein chickpea elbow pasta
14 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
→ Smoky Crunch Topping
15 -
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 -
1 tbsp olive oil
17 -
1/4 cup crispy turkey bacon bits
18 -
2 tbsp sliced green onions
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning base is what gives your High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese its bold, smoky foundation.
02 -
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a light spray of oil. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. In the last 2 minutes, brush on 1/3 cup honey BBQ sauce and 2 tbsp honey, letting it caramelize. Rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized chunks.
03 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz high-protein chickpea elbow pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water — this starchy liquid is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency in your High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese.
04 -
While pasta cooks, add 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese to a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 60 seconds. This step eliminates any lumps and creates a creamy, protein-packed base that seamlessly integrates into the cheese sauce without any grainy texture.
05 -
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 2 cups low-fat milk, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder until smooth. Stir in the blended cottage cheese and 2 tbsp cream cheese. Once simmering, reduce heat and fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and velvety.
06 -
Add the drained chickpea pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Fold in the diced honey BBQ chicken. For the best High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, let everything simmer together for 2 minutes so the flavors fully meld.
07 -
In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup crispy turkey bacon bits, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. This smoky, crunchy topping is the finishing touch your High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese deserves.
08 -
Ladle your High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese into bowls. Generously sprinkle the toasted panko and turkey bacon topping over each serving, then finish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant contrast. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the topping stays crispy.
# Notes:
01 -
🧀 Sauce Too Thick? Don't skip saving that pasta water! Add it one tablespoon at a time after combining everything — chickpea pasta absorbs sauce quickly, and the starchy water brings the creaminess right back without diluting the flavor.
02 -
🍗 Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce. Keep the panko topping stored separately to maintain its crunch.
03 -
🔄 Easy Substitutions: No chickpea pasta on hand? Any high-protein or whole wheat elbow pasta works great. Swap turkey bacon bits for regular crispy bacon or omit entirely to keep it lighter. Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese in a pinch for a similar protein boost.
04 -
🌶️ Serving Tip: For an extra flavor kick, drizzle a little additional honey BBQ sauce over each bowl right before serving. A pinch of smoked paprika on top also adds a beautiful color and ties the smoky flavors of the whole dish together.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or grill pan
03 -
Medium saucepan
04 -
Baking dish (9x13)
05 -
Blender or food processor
06 -
Colander
07 -
Whisk
08 -
Cutting board
09 -
Chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 680 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 72 g
Protein: 58 g