High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese – Easy

Hey there, foodie friends! I'm Elena, and today I'm sharing my ultimate comfort food twist: High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese. This isn't your average mac—it's loaded with tender chicken, a rich BBQ honey sauce, and a creamy cheese sauce that hugs every noodle. Plus, it's packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied!

I created this recipe on a busy weeknight when I craved something hearty but didn't want to sacrifice my fitness goals. The result? A one-pot wonder that tastes like a guilty pleasure but fits your macros. The sweet-smoky BBQ sauce balances perfectly with sharp cheddar, and the crispy chicken bites add a delightful texture.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It's easy to customize, and the leftovers are just as delicious. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!

About the Ingredients

12 oz (340g) whole wheat elbow macaroni

Use whole wheat for extra fiber and protein. You can substitute with regular pasta or gluten-free if needed.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

Chicken breast is lean and high in protein. If you prefer dark meat, use boneless thighs for more juiciness.

1 tbsp olive oil

For searing the chicken. Any neutral oil like avocado or canola works.

1/2 cup (120ml) honey

Honey adds natural sweetness. For a vegan option, use maple syrup.

1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce

Choose your favorite smoky BBQ sauce. I like a hickory or mesquite flavor.

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness. You can use white wine vinegar.

1 tsp smoked paprika

Enhances the smoky flavor. Regular paprika works, but smoked is better.

2 cups (480ml) low-fat milk

For a creamy sauce without the extra fat. Use whole milk for extra creaminess.

1 tbsp cornstarch

Thickens the cheese sauce. You can use all-purpose flour instead.

2 cups (226g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor. Pre-shredded works, but freshly shredded melts smoother.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Adds a salty, nutty depth. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.

Salt and black pepper to taste

Seasoning is key. Adjust to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the pasta

Cook it 1-2 minutes less than package directions because it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Shred your own cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Let the sauce thicken

Give the cheese sauce a few minutes to thicken before adding the pasta—it should coat the back of a spoon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken cubes in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Season with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Pour over the cooked chicken and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and sticky. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

4. Create the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (350°F/175°C). Whisk together milk and cornstarch, then pour into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).

5. Add the Cheeses

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Gently fold in the honey BBQ chicken.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Let the mac & cheese sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with extra BBQ drizzle or fresh parsley if desired.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Kick

Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for heat.

Veggie Boost

Stir in steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers with the chicken.

Baked Version

Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

How to Store High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you love this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese as much as I do! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. And don't forget to share this recipe with a friend who needs a comfort food fix. Cook smart, eat happy!

High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a creamy, smoky comfort dish with 30g protein per serving, perfect for weeknight dinners.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups (480ml) low-fat milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cups (226g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the Pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. 2Sear the Chicken — In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken cubes in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3Make the Honey BBQ Sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Pour over the cooked chicken and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and sticky. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. 4Create the Cheese Sauce — In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (350°F/175°C). Whisk together milk and cornstarch, then pour into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
5. 5Add the Cheeses — Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6Combine Everything — Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Gently fold in the honey BBQ chicken.
7. 7Serve and Enjoy — Let the mac & cheese sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with extra BBQ drizzle or fresh parsley if desired.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This dish is a great way to sneak in protein while satisfying your comfort food cravings. Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce to your preferred sweetness level.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 30g protein · 35g carbs · 12g fat

Written by Elena Vasquez

Elena focuses on healthy cooking and meal prep for people with limited time and budget. She shares flexible recipes and shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor.