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High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese – Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist


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  • Author: charlotte
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3–4 servings

Description

A high-protein twist on the classic comfort food! Tender chicken coated in honey BBQ sauce is mixed into a creamy, cheesy sauce with pasta for a deliciously satisfying meal without the extra calories.


Ingredients

  • 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%)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 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
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • Low-calorie cooking spray
  • Pasta:
  • 300 g pasta
  • 1 tsp salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and lightly coat with low-calorie cooking spray.
  2. In a bowl, toss diced chicken with honey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, and BBQ sauce.
  3. Cook chicken in the skillet until fully cooked and lightly browned.
  4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar, milk, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to make the cheese sauce.
  6. Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir to combine.
  7. Add cooked chicken and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Serve warm as a high-protein, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use reduced-fat cheeses and low-calorie milk to keep the recipe lighter.
  • Optional: add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrients.
  • Great for meal prep as it reheats well.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American