High Protein Low Calorie Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

You know me — I’m always chasing that sweet spot between comfort food and feel-good food. And yes, it’s 100% possible to have both. This High Protein Low Calorie Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is proof.

It’s cozy, cheesy, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat, but balanced with real ingredients that support your goals. Around here at Shiny Happy, we’re big on meals that taste amazing and leave you feeling good afterward.

Even Toddler (my golden kitchen sidekick and official crumb scout) gets excited when this hits the oven — and let’s be honest, that’s high praise.

Whether you’re meal prepping or just trying to make dinner that won’t undo your whole day, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and loaded with everything you do want (flavor, protein, ease) — without the stuff you don’t.

Let’s dig in.

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Why We Love this Recipe

This one’s seriously a lifesaver in my kitchen. First, the flavor is outta this world—sweet, smoky, cheesy, just a little tang from the BBQ. And, yes, it’s packing protein like some kind of five-star gym meal, but with the vibe of Sunday potluck comfort. Hard not to love that combo.

But, what really knocks my socks off? Barely any ingredients. Just seven for the whole shebang. Saves on dishes, time, and let’s be honest, brainpower. I can whip it up on a busy weeknight. Kids eat it, my picky partner loves it, and honestly, leftover lunch? Even better the next day.

So if you’re always hungry again an hour after dinner (ha, I see you), this High Protein Low Calorie Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is gonna fill you up. Yes, for real.

If you like melty, satisfying meals that fit your goals, try these High Protein Low Calorie Grilled Cheese Burritos — they’re perfect for meal prep.

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What is High Protein Low Calorie Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Alright, let me break this down in case you haven’t bumped into this game changer before. Imagine your favorite creamy mac and cheese, but instead of just giving in to pure cheese dreams, you add juicy chicken that’s slathered in honey BBQ sauce. Mix that all together, bake it for extra gooeyness, and you get this magical meal.

It nails that sweet and smoky BBQ vibe, but, don’t worry, it doesn’t taste diet-y or weirdly healthy. The chicken brings all the protein you need and the lightened-up cheese sauce keeps the calories in check. I swear, you would never guess it isn’t straight-up cheat meal territory.

One pan, one bake, and a ton of satisfaction. Feels a little like cheating the system, but in the best way possible.

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High Protein Low Calorie Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Nutrition

Now, here’s where things get pretty cool. You usually hear “mac and cheese” and think—uh, waistline nightmare. Not this version. This thing bounces right into your macros with barely any drama.

High Protein Low Calorie Meal Prep Loaded Breakfast Burritos Freezer-friendly, protein-packed, and toddler-approved!

A big serving clocks in somewhere between 350-400 calories (wild, right?) with over 30 grams of protein if you load it up with chicken breast. Fat stays low, but the flavor punch is still huge. Carbs… well, it’s pasta, but you can even swap regular elbows for chickpea or whole wheat and dial carbs way back.

Using light cheeses, low sugar BBQ sauce, and fat-free Greek yogurt instead of all the heavy cream makes a massive difference without killing the creamy stuff you’re craving. Great for meal prep or anyone tracking nutrition but not into boring salads every night. So, all comfort, way less regret.

High Protein Low Calorie Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Variations & Substitutions

Hey, let’s not act like anyone follows a recipe word-for-word. I sure don’t. Here’s where you can give it your own spin. Only got rotisserie chicken? Works just fine. Want things spicy? Toss in a couple chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.

If you’re dairy-free, skip regular cheese and use your fave plant-based shreds—they melt pretty well. Don’t like BBQ sauce (is that a thing?), you could totally swap for buffalo or low-calorie teriyaki for a twist. Kids love elbow pasta, but you can pick penne or rotini if that’s all you’ve got.

Oh, and you can throw some peas or broccoli in if you wanna sneak in veggies for a little extra nutrition. Got a household of picky eaters? Have them build their own bowls and add toppings they like—pretend you’re running a homemade mac bar. Why not?

Tips

Okay, real talk—there are a few practical things I’ve learned the hard way. Let’s set you up for easy success:

• Shred your own cheese. It melts smoother than bagged.
• Use leftover or pre-cooked chicken to save even more time.
• Let it sit five minutes before serving. The sauce thickens and gets way creamier.
• Don’t drown the pasta in sauce at first—you can always stir in more later.

Just remember, recipes are starting points, not the law. Have fun with it.

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