High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe: Protein-Packed Comfort in a Skillet

Comfort food reaches new heights with this protein-packed skillet creation, blending tender chicken with rich mac and cheese. The honey BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky depth that elevates every bite.

This dish delivers the comfort you crave while packing serious protein. One skillet, bold flavors, and a meal that satisfies completely.

Ingredients for High Protein Honey Bbq Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pantry staples plus chicken and cheese make this skillet sing with bold flavors.

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The chicken is the protein star here. Boneless, skinless breasts stay tender and cook fast—look for uniform thickness so everything finishes together. I grab mine from Costco for bulk savings, but any supermarket works. The cheeses? Block cheddar and pepper jack melt smoother than pre-shredded (which has anti-caking stuff). Skip the low-fat milk—this dish needs the richness.

No pepper jack? Monterey Jack or Colby still taste great. Swap honey for maple syrup if that’s what you’ve got. The BBQ sauce can be store-bought (Sweet Baby Ray’s is reliable) or homemade—just aim for that smoky-sweet balance. Elbow macaroni not on hand? Cavatappi or shells catch the sauce just as well. Fresh garlic can replace the powders at a 1:1 clove-to-teaspoon ratio.

Leftovers keep 4-5 days in the fridge, but the pasta soaks up sauce over time. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen. Freezes for 3 months—thaw overnight before warming. I always double the batch for easy lunches (worth the extra minute).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Breast

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb chicken breast, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Stir in the bbq sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and dijon mustard. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is glazed and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Macaroni

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and light golden.

Gradually whisk in the 1.5 cups whole milk until smooth. Stir in the 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup pepper jack cheese and cook until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the macaroni is fully coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Essential Equipment for high protein honey bbq chicken mac and cheese

Skillet Selection

I always reach for a 12-inch cast iron skillet—it’s my workhorse for this dish. The even heat distribution ensures the chicken browns perfectly and the cheese sauce melts smoothly. My Lodge has been with me for years and still performs like a champ. 🔥

Cheese Grater

A box grater with multiple sides is essential for shredding the cheddar and pepper jack fresh. Pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt the same. I use the fine side for a smoother sauce texture. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Whisk for Sauce

For the cheese sauce, a balloon whisk is my go-to tool. It helps incorporate the milk and flour smoothly, preventing lumps. A silicone-coated whisk works too and won’t scratch your skillet if you’re using nonstick.

Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements matter, so keep a set of measuring cups and spoons handy. I love my OXO Good Grips set—the magnetic bases keep them organized. Precise amounts of honey, BBQ sauce, and spices ensure the flavors balance perfectly.

Wooden Spoon

A sturdy wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the chicken as it cooks and later folding everything together. It won’t scratch your skillet and handles the thick sauce without bending. Plus, it’s just the right tool for scraping up any browned bits.

Tongs for Chicken

Use kitchen tongs to flip the chicken pieces while they cook. They give you better control than a fork and keep the juices locked in. I prefer 12-inch tongs for reach and precision when working in a large skillet.