Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Meal Prep

Are you ready to elevate your meal prep game with a dish that’s equal parts comforting and nutritious? Look no further than this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Meal Prep! This recipe is the ultimate fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and smoky, sweet BBQ flavors, all packed into one protein-rich meal. Whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe and why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of honey, the smokiness of BBQ sauce, and the creaminess of the cheese sauce create a flavor explosion in every bite.
• High-Protein, Nutrient-Packed: With 58.4g of protein per serving, this dish is a powerhouse for muscle recovery and satiety.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe makes 4 servings, making it ideal for meal prepping. Simply store it in airtight containers, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for the week.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.
• Comfort Food, Made Healthy: At 642.4 calories per serving, this dish proves that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese:

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 150g Fat-Free Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess without the extra fat.
• 200g Light Cream Cheese: The base of our rich and velvety cheese sauce.
• 150g 30% Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese: For that classic mac and cheese flavor.
• 150ml Semi-Skimmed Milk (2% milk): Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp Parsley: For a fresh, herby note.
• ½ tsp Black Pepper: Enhances the overall taste.
• 1 tsp Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness.
• 1 tsp Salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1 tsp Mustard: A secret ingredient that amplifies the cheesiness.

For the Chicken:

• 400g Chicken Breasts (diced): Lean protein that’s the star of the dish.
• 2 tbsp Honey: For a touch of natural sweetness.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Complements the BBQ flavors.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a savory undertone.
• 70g Reduced BBQ Sauce: The smoky, tangy element that ties everything together.
• 1 tsp Paprika: Enhances the BBQ flavor.
• 1 tsp Salt: Seasons the chicken perfectly.
• ½ tsp Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
• 1 tsp Ground Ginger: A unique twist that pairs beautifully with honey.
• Low-Calorie Cooking Spray: For cooking the chicken without excess oil.

For the Pasta:

• 300g Pasta: Choose your favorite shape—elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli work great.
• 1 tsp Salt: For seasoning the pasta water.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese:

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Option:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season the diced chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Lightly spray the chicken with low-calorie cooking spray and place it in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.

Pan Option:

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly spray it with low-calorie cooking spray.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.

Finishing the Chicken:

1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and toss it with honey and BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Let the chicken cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water to help with the cheese sauce later.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, light cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, parsley, black pepper, paprika, salt, and mustard.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the cheese sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and make it extra creamy.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Let the mac and cheese sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
4. Serve the cheesy pasta in bowls and top each portion with the Honey BBQ Chicken.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch.

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Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is how versatile it is. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken for a kick of heat.
• Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein if desired.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try using pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.

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Nutrition Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile of this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese per serving:

• Calories: 642kcal
• Carbohydrates: 75.3g
• Protein: 58.5g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 5.15g
• Sugar: 15.4g

This dish is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without compromising on nutrition.

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The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Nutrition

When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese is a classic favorite. But what if you could enjoy this indulgent dish while still sticking to your health goals? Enter the Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese—a recipe that perfectly balances comfort and nutrition. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the smoky, sweet flavors of honey BBQ chicken, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

At 642.4 calories per serving, this dish is a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite comfort food. It’s packed with 58.4g of protein, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to build or maintain muscle. The protein comes from lean chicken breast and a blend of reduced-fat cheeses, ensuring that you get all the flavor without the extra calories. Additionally, the recipe uses semi-skimmed milk and low-calorie cooking spray to keep the fat content in check.

But what truly sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary preferences or nutritional needs. For instance, adding veggies like broccoli or spinach can boost the fiber content, while swapping the chicken for a plant-based protein can make it vegetarian-friendly. The honey and BBQ sauce add a touch of sweetness and smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce, creating a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a crowd, this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a winner. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition—you can have both in one delicious dish.

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 Why This Recipe is Ideal for Meal Prepping

Meal prepping is a game-changer for anyone looking to save time and stay on track with their health goals. And this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate meal prep recipe. With just 40 minutes of total prep and cooking time, you can have four servings ready to go for the week.

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its long shelf life. When stored in airtight containers, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays when you don’t have time to cook but still want a nutritious, homemade meal. Plus, the recipe is designed to reheat beautifully. Simply microwave it for 2-3 minutes, and it’s as good as new. If the cheese sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of milk to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Another reason this recipe is ideal for meal prepping is its nutritional balance. Each serving provides a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats, ensuring that you stay full and energized throughout the day. The 58.4g of protein per serving is particularly beneficial for those with active lifestyles, as it supports muscle recovery and growth.

Finally, this dish is incredibly customizable, which means you can switch things up to keep your meals interesting. Add different veggies, experiment with spices, or try a new type of pasta—the possibilities are endless. With this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, meal prepping has never been easier or more delicious.

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Tips for Perfecting the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the heart of any mac and cheese recipe, and this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is no exception. But making the perfect cheese sauce can be tricky—too thick, and it becomes clumpy; too thin, and it loses its creamy texture. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese sauce turns out smooth, velvety, and absolutely delicious.

First, blend your ingredients thoroughly. The recipe calls for blending cottage cheese, light cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings until smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures that there are no lumps in the sauce. A high-powered blender or food processor works best for this.

Second, heat the sauce gently. Once blended, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir it frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch in the pasta water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.

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Final Thoughts

This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Meal Prep is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and sweet—all in one bite! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking up a storm for friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Happy cooking!