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High-Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Easy Dinner Recipe

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Ditch the heavy cream! This Mac uses a secret cottage cheese sauce for a creamy, high-protein base, melding perfectly with smoky Honey BBQ chicken. Easy, comforting, and guilt-free.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup high-quality honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup skim milk (or reserved pasta water)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the remaining water and set the pasta aside.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the high-protein cheese sauce. In a high-speed blender, combine the cottage cheese, skim milk, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Step 3: Return the drained pasta to the empty pot over low heat. Pour in the blended cottage cheese mixture and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheddar is fully melted and the sauce coats the pasta thickly. Add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water if the sauce appears too thick.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the cooked and shredded chicken with the honey BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of honey until the chicken is fully coated.
  5. Step 5: Fold the Honey BBQ chicken mixture directly into the pot of mac and cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Store leftovers promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, noting that the cottage cheese sauce will thicken considerably as it chills.
  • When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to the portion before microwaving on 50% power, stirring halfway through to help the creamy sauce reconstitute smoothly and prevent separation.
  • Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or thinly sliced green onion and a dash of smoked paprika for extra color and herbaceous freshness against the sweet BBQ profile.
  • For the absolute smoothest sauce, ensure your high-speed blender runs for at least 60 seconds after the cottage cheese mixture looks smooth, which breaks down any remaining curds entirely.
  • Author: ilina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 420g)
  • Calories: 640
  • Sodium: 1000mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 13g

Find it online: https://recipessd.com/high-protein-honey-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-easy-dinner-recipe/