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Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for a Comforting Family Feast

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese combines rich flavors and high protein for a delightful family-friendly dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Fat-Free Cottage Cheese Substitute with Greek yogurt for similar texture.
  • 4 oz Light Cream Cheese Can be replaced with reduced-fat cream cheese.
  • 2 cups 30% Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese Swap with any preferred melting cheese.
  • 1 cup Semi-Skimmed Milk (2%) Use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used for stronger taste.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Opt for smoked paprika for added intensity.
  • 1 tsp Salt Kosher salt is preferred.
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Dijon mustard is an excellent alternative.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Diced Chicken Breasts Turkey or grilled tofu can serve as substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can be used for a stronger flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onion can be sautéed for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Reduced BBQ Sauce Opt for low-sodium varieties to reduce salt.
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (Elbow Macaroni) Other pasta types are also suitable.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper White pepper can be used for a milder flavor.
  • Cooking Spray Cooking Spray Use olive oil for a healthier fat option.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Substitute with chives for a different herbal note.

Equipment

  • blender
  • Saucepan
  • colander
  • large pot
  • Skillet or Air Fryer

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 skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes. Toss with honey and BBQ sauce after cooking.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain.
  3. Blend fat-free cottage cheese, light cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, semi-skimmed milk, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard until smooth. Heat in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta with cheese sauce and fold in the honey BBQ chicken. Let sit for 10 minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Consider adding seasonal vegetables or spices for a flavorful boost. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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