Name: High Protein Honey Bbq Chicken Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300g (10oz) Elbow Macaroni: The base of the dish.; 300g (10oz) Chicken Breast, cubed: Provides lean protein.; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Honey: Adds natural sweetness.; 3 Tbsp (45ml) BBQ Sauce (halal): Provides smoky flavor.; 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor.; 1 tsp (5ml) Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic flavor.; ½ tsp (2.5ml) Onion Powder: Adds savory depth.; Salt and Pepper to taste: Fundamental seasonings.; 2 Tbsp (30g) Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.; 2 Tbsp (30g) Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.; 250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base.; 125ml (½ cup) Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and tanginess.; 150g (5oz) Cheddar Cheese, grated: Provides a bold flavor.; 100g (3½oz) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: Adds stretchiness.; 30g (2 Tbsp) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping.; 1 Tbsp (15ml) Melted Butter: Coats the breadcrumbs.; Parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish.; Smoked Paprika (optional): For extra flavor.

Description

This recipe elevates classic mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken and a protein boost from Greek yogurt, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

300g (10oz) Elbow Macaroni: The base of the dish.
300g (10oz) Chicken Breast, cubed: Provides lean protein.
2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
2 Tbsp (30ml) Honey: Adds natural sweetness.
3 Tbsp (45ml) BBQ Sauce (halal): Provides smoky flavor.
1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor.
1 tsp (5ml) Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic flavor.
½ tsp (2.5ml) Onion Powder: Adds savory depth.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Fundamental seasonings.
2 Tbsp (30g) Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.
2 Tbsp (30g) Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
250ml (1 cup) Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base.
125ml (½ cup) Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and tanginess.
150g (5oz) Cheddar Cheese, grated: Provides a bold flavor.
100g (3½oz) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded: Adds stretchiness.
30g (2 Tbsp) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping.
1 Tbsp (15ml) Melted Butter: Coats the breadcrumbs.
Parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish.
Smoked Paprika (optional): For extra flavor.

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, drain, and rinse.
Sear Chicken: Season chicken, sear in olive oil until cooked through.
Glaze Chicken: Toss chicken with honey and BBQ sauce, cook until glazed.
Make Sauce: Create a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk until thickened.
Add Protein & Cheese: Stir in Greek yogurt, cheddar, and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Combine & Bake: Mix macaroni, chicken, and sauce; transfer to a baking dish.
Prepare Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Bake: Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella ensures a flavorful and stretchy cheese pull. Grate the cheese yourself for optimal melting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg