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–+ servings
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Savor Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: Comfort Food Redefined

Indulge in Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, a protein-packed and customizable comfort food perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Fat-Free Cottage Cheese Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 4 oz Light Cream Cheese Reduced-fat cream cheese as an alternative
  • 1 cup Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese Any favorite melting cheese can be used
  • 1 cup Semi-Skimmed Milk (2%) Dairy-free alternative: almond milk
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can enhance flavor
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika for deeper taste
  • 1 tsp Salt Kosher salt recommended
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Dijon mustard for extra zest
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Diced Chicken Breasts Alternatives: turkey or grilled tofu
  • 2 tbsp Honey Maple syrup as a vegan substitute
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can elevate flavor
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions for more intensity
  • 1/2 cup Reduced BBQ Sauce Low-sodium varieties are better
For the Pasta & Seasoning
  • 8 oz Pasta (Elbow Macaroni) Other pasta types can be used
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper White pepper for a milder option
  • 1 tbsp Low-Calorie Cooking Spray Olive oil as a healthier fat substitute
  • 2 tbsp Parsley Chives as an alternative garnish

Equipment

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

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes. Cook chicken in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, or sauté in a pan for 6-8 minutes. Toss with honey and reduced BBQ sauce to coat.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan and heat over medium for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce, stirring well to coat. Gently fold in honey BBQ chicken. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best results, melt cheese over low heat to avoid clumps. Consider adding spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

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