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Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for Ultimate Comfort Food Lovers

Enjoy this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, a nutritious twist on a childhood favorite, perfect for comfort food lovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Casserole
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 texture
  • 8 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%) almond milk can be used for dairy-free option
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic can be used for stronger flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika can intensify the flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt use Kosher salt for controlled flavor
  • 1 tablespoon mustard Dijon mustard is a great alternative
For the Chicken Portion
  • 2 cups chicken breasts (diced) can swap with turkey or plant-based protein
  • 2 tablespoons honey maple syrup can be a vegan substitute
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger fresh ginger can be used for intensity
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder fresh onion can be sautéed beforehand
  • 1 cup reduced BBQ sauce opt for low-sodium varieties
For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz pasta elbow macaroni is typically used, but other types work
Other Essentials
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper white pepper can be used for milder flavor
  • spray low-calorie cooking spray use olive oil for a healthier fat option
  • 2 tablespoons parsley substitute with chives for different herby note

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Saucepan
  • Non-Stick Pan
  • large pot
  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the diced chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken 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 BBQ sauce.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
  3. Blend the cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard until smooth. Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
  4. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix in the honey BBQ chicken. Serve in a bowl, garnish with parsley, and let sit for 10 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, melt cheese on low heat to keep the texture smooth. Feel free to adjust seasonings and add vegetables for extra nutrition.

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