Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a high-protein comfort dish perfect for satisfying your cravings. With tender honey BBQ chicken and a creamy, cheesy pasta base, this hearty meal is both indulgent and nutritious.
If you want to try more high protein meals, why not try our Tuna Pasta with Cheese for another delicious dinner option.
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a protein-packed twist, this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is for you. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with sweet and smoky flavours from the tender honey BBQ chicken.
Think of it as comfort food reimagined, combining indulgent ingredients with balanced nutrition. The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the BBQ-coated chicken, creating a sweet and savoury blend that’s hard to resist.
Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. With 58.4g of protein and 642 calories per serving, it’s satisfying, flavourful, and sure to become a family favourite.
Why We Love this Recipe
- High in Protein: Delivers 58.4g of protein per serving to fuel your body.
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
- Sweet and Savoury: Combines the richness of cheese with the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken.
What is Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a high-protein take on a classic comfort dish. This recipe features tender chicken coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, combined with a creamy, cheesy pasta base.
The use of reduced-fat cheeses and protein-rich chicken makes this dish both nutritious and indulgent. Whether baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop, it’s versatile, flavourful, and perfect for any occasion.
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Nutrition
- Protein-Packed Meal: With 58.4g of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle recovery.
- Rich in Flavour: The combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and creamy cheese creates a sweet and savoury balance that elevates classic mac and cheese.
- Comfort Food Made Lighter: Using reduced-fat cheeses and low-calorie cooking spray, this recipe keeps indulgence in check without sacrificing flavour.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Provides a lean protein source and absorbs the sweet and smoky flavours of the honey BBQ sauce.
- Reduced-Fat Cheeses: Create a creamy, indulgent sauce without excessive fat.
- Pasta: Acts as the hearty base, perfectly coated by the cheese sauce.
- Honey and BBQ Sauce: Add a sweet and tangy flavour that elevates the dish.
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Prepare the Chicken
To start, mix the diced chicken with honey, BBQ sauce, and spices for a flavourful coating. Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar, milk, and seasonings. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sauce is creamy and melted.
Combine and Set
Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Let the mac and cheese sit for 10 minutes to thicken. Once set, serve the mac and cheese in bowls and top each portion with the honey BBQ chicken for a flavourful finish.
Tips
- Adjust the sweetness. Modify the honey and BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Use fresh herbs. Sprinkle parsley or chives on top for added flavour and a pop of colour.
- Prep ahead. Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.
- Let It Rest. Allow the mac and cheese to sit for 5 to 10 minutes after mixing for a thicker, creamier texture.
- Mix the Chicken. If you prefer, you can mix the honey BBQ chicken into the pasta before serving for a fully combined dish.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Mix in steamed broccoli or peas for added nutrients and texture.
- Switch the Cheese: Use a combination of Gouda, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a different flavour profile.
- Spice It Up: Add chilli flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture. This dish can also be frozen for 2 to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Feel free to use your favourite pasta shape, such as shells, penne, or fusilli, which all work well for holding the cheese sauce.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
You can omit the honey if you prefer a less sweet BBQ flavour, or replace it with a sugar-free alternative.
The sauce may appear runny at first, but the pasta will help thicken it as it sits. For a thicker consistency, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
More High Protein Dinner Ideas
After you try this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, let us know your thoughts! Follow us on Instagram for more high protein, low calorie recipe ideas.
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Frying Pan
- Blender
- Saucepan
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.
- After the chicken has cooked, transfer it to a bowl and toss it with the honey and BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken 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 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 flavours 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 extra fiber and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: Add chilli flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken for a kick of heat.
- Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein if desired.
