High Protein Honey Bbq Chicken Mac & Cheese
High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a creamy, sweet-smoky one-pot weeknight dinner loaded with shredded chicken breast for a real protein boost. Comforting, family-friendly, and ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop / One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky, balanced sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk
- Salt (for pasta water and seasoning) and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just tender, about 7–8 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Return the empty pot to medium heat and warm the milk until steaming but not boiling, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheese in handfuls, whisking constantly until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey until the sauce takes on a warm, caramel color.
- Return the pot to low heat. Add the shredded chicken and stir gently until heated through and coated in sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni and toss to coat every piece. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with green onions or extra cheese.
Notes
- Pull the pot off the heat before adding cheese — this prevents graininess and keeps the sauce silky.
- Swap macaroni for chickpea or brown rice pasta to make this gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.