Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious, high-protein twist on a classic comfort food. Tender chicken seasoned with a smoky-sweet blend of spices and BBQ sauce is paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni to create a balanced, hearty meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. It’s a great option for meal prep or a satisfying family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is rich in protein while keeping fats and sugars low, making it a smart choice for those seeking healthier comfort food. The combination of smoky BBQ chicken and creamy mac and cheese creates a satisfying contrast in both taste and texture. It’s simple to prepare, great for batch cooking, and perfect for post-workout meals or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 700g boneless & skinless chicken breast (raw weight)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 25g honey

• 85g sugar free BBQ sauce (such as Hughes Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, or any reduced sugar BBQ sauce)

• 320g macaroni (dry weight, such as San Remo elbow pasta)

• 340ml fat free evaporated milk (such as Carnation Light & Creamy; can substitute with low fat or fat free milk)

• 80g light cream cheese (such as Philadelphia Light)

• 1.5 tsp chicken stock powder (such as Vegeta)

• 100g grated light cheddar cheese (such as Dairyworks Natural Cheddar Cheese)

Directions

1. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together the salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken in the seasoning until well coated.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.

3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the honey and sugar-free BBQ sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce is slightly thickened. Set aside.

4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. In the same pot, add the evaporated milk and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the light cream cheese and chicken stock powder, whisking until smooth and combined.

6. Add the grated light cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted. Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir to coat the pasta in the cheese sauce.

7. To serve, plate the macaroni and top with the honey BBQ chicken mixture. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Substitute: Swap chicken for lean turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Add Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to boost the nutrient content.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.

• Pasta Options: Use whole wheat pasta or high-protein pasta to adjust the nutritional profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk to the pasta before microwaving or reheating on the stove to restore creaminess.
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may change texture when thawed.

FAQs

What is the best BBQ sauce to use for this recipe?

A sugar-free or reduced sugar BBQ sauce is ideal to keep the recipe balanced and lower in calories.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for meal prep or quick dinners.

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly less creamy. Use low fat or skim milk for a similar result.

How can I make the cheese sauce creamier?

Use full-fat cream cheese or add a small amount of unsalted butter for extra creaminess, if desired.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking your BBQ sauce and stock powder labels.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella or a low-fat blend can be used, though cheddar gives the most classic flavor.

What sides go well with this dish?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of the meal.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or stir in some hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, the flavors are mild and appealing to children, but you can adjust seasonings as needed.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just reheat it with the honey and BBQ sauce mixture for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a satisfying, high-protein comfort food option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health-conscious ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for both solo meals and family dinners. Whether you’re looking to elevate your meal prep or enjoy a hearty dish after a long day, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious choice.