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–+ servings
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Your Family Will Love

Indulge in a delightful blend of mac and cheese with the irresistible flavor of Honey BBQ Chicken, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Fat-Free Cottage Cheese
  • 4 oz Light Cream Cheese
  • 1 cup 30% Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Semi-Skimmed Milk (2%)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt Kosher salt recommended
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Dijon mustard is an excellent substitute
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Diced Chicken Breasts Can replace with turkey or grilled tofu
  • 1/4 cup Honey Maple syrup can be used as a vegan substitute
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can provide more intensity
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used for better flavor
  • 1/2 cup Reduced BBQ Sauce Low-sodium varieties are ideal
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (Elbow Macaroni) Other pasta types can be used
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Substitute with white pepper for milder flavor
For Garnish
  • 1 tbsp Parsley Chives can be substituted

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • large pot
  • blender
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Cook in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, or sauté in a pan for 6-8 minutes until cooked through. Toss with honey and reduced BBQ sauce.
  2. Bring salted water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook according to package instructions for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, semi-skimmed milk, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until thickened, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and honey BBQ chicken. Mix until well coated and serve in bowls garnished with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with sautéed veggies or different types of cheese based on personal preference.

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