If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s also high in protein, this One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a game-changer. Not only does it provide nearly 60 grams of protein per serving, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for meal prep. This delicious dish combines the sweetness of honey, the smokiness of BBQ sauce, and the creamy richness of mac and cheese, all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your household.
One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious and nutritious dish:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb of diced chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (or regular if preferred)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded light cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the diced chicken breast. In a bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well-coated with flavor.
Next, heat a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about four minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and drizzle honey and BBQ sauce over it. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sweet and smoky glaze.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, so it holds up well in the creamy cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same pan you used to cook the chicken (to maximize flavor), reduce the heat to medium. Add the fat-free evaporated milk and reduced-fat cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The evaporated milk gives the sauce a rich texture without the added fat from heavy cream.
For an extra depth of flavor, stir in the chicken stock powder. This secret ingredient will elevate the taste of your mac and cheese, giving it a savory undertone that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey BBQ chicken.
4. Add the Cheese and Pasta
Once your sauce is smooth and creamy, slowly add the shredded light cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety texture. Next, fold in the cooked pasta, making sure each piece is coated in the cheesy goodness.
5. Combine the Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the honey BBQ chicken to the cheesy pasta mixture and gently toss to combine. The sweet, smoky chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy mac and cheese, creating a harmony of flavors in every bite.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Divide the One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into four equal servings. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. This dish is perfect for meal prep – store it in airtight containers and enjoy throughout the week!
Substitutions and Variations
1. Make it Gluten-Free
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. There are plenty of options available, such as chickpea pasta, quinoa pasta, or rice-based varieties.
2. Amp Up the Veggies
Add a nutritional boost to this recipe by incorporating vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers. Toss the veggies in during the last step when combining the chicken and mac and cheese for extra texture and nutrients.
3. Spice It Up
If you prefer a little heat, feel free to add some spice to the dish. You can sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle in some hot sauce during the BBQ chicken step to give your mac and cheese a kick.
4. Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version of this recipe, replace the pasta with cauliflower florets. Cook the cauliflower until tender, then fold it into the cheese sauce along with the honey BBQ chicken. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors with fewer carbs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 55-60 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
- Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugar: 10-15 grams
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
High Protein Content
With almost 60 grams of protein per serving, this recipe is perfect for those looking to build muscle or maintain a high-protein diet. The combination of chicken and cheese ensures you’re getting plenty of lean protein to fuel your day.
Easy to Make
This One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese meal comes together quickly and easily, with minimal clean-up. You can prepare the dish on a Sunday afternoon and have it ready to eat throughout the week, making meal prep a breeze.
Versatile and Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you’re swapping out ingredients for dietary reasons or simply want to add more flavor, it’s flexible enough to accommodate a variety of preferences. Plus, it reheats well, so you can enjoy it fresh or as leftovers.
One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of sweet, smoky, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving up a comforting dinner for the family, this dish delivers big on flavor while still being simple to prepare. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a regular feature in your kitchen rotation. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
