High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
A delightful twist on a classic dish, combining creamy macaroni and cheese with sweet and smoky honey BBQ chicken, packed with high protein for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce Can use store-bought or homemade
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese For a creamy texture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For meltiness
- 2 cups milk Whole or low-fat milk is fine
Sauce Base
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour For thickening the cheese sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter For the roux
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste To season the cheese sauce
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a roux forms.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Once thickened, lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Pour in the honey BBQ sauce and mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Serve immediately while hot, or transfer to a baking dish for baking later.
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Notes
For best results, always taste your cheese sauce as it cooks. Consider using a mix of cheese varieties for enhanced flavor.