Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
A comforting and protein-rich meal prep friendly dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, combined with creamy macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce divided
- 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups milk (2% or whole preferred)
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or similar melting cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Shred or dice the cooked chicken. Toss the shredded chicken with 0.5 cup of the honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in Greek yogurt (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the remaining 0.5 cup of honey BBQ sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni and the honey BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Serve immediately, or portion into meal prep containers for later enjoyment. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
For quicker prep, use a rotisserie chicken and shred it. To add more vegetables, stir in cooked broccoli florets or peas with the pasta. Adjust the spice level of the BBQ sauce to your preference. This dish reheats well in the microwave, making it ideal for meal prepping.